KotlinRace

On the morning of the race, the Saint Petersburg yacht clubs stir long before dawn. Support crews pack navigation charts and nutrition supplies, preparing for the 25-kilometer push across the Gulf of Finland toward Kotlin Island. Organized by Dmitry Egorov and the GrandSwim team, this annual marathon transforms the shipping lanes into a personal test of endurance for soloists and relay teams alike. Swimmers often return year after year, drawn by the specific challenge of navigating the transition from the Neva River’s initial current into the unpredictable open sea.

The route and its origins

The course follows a line toward Kronstadt, a town whose military architecture remains visible from the water. As you swim, you pass the structures of the 'Russian Dardanelles,' a chain of 19th-century fortifications built to secure the capital's maritime gateway. Some of these, like the oval-shaped Fort Alexander, served a darker purpose as laboratories for plague and cholera research during the early 1900s. Beneath the surface, the gulf floor hides a massive ship cemetery; the low salinity and cold temperatures have preserved thousands of vessels and aircraft dating back to the 18th century, silent witnesses to the naval power struggles that have defined this region for centuries.

Managing the environment

Success in this marathon depends on your ability to handle the water’s character. While the first 3 kilometers benefit from the Neva’s flow, the remaining distance is governed by winds that can shift quickly, creating cross-currents or chop. The race requires a support boat for every participant, as strict navigation through these busy waters is mandatory. If conditions deteriorate, the start time or date may shift to ensure safety, a necessity for a crossing that can reach up to 26 kilometers depending on the drift. Because of this, organizers advise participants to keep a three-day window open around their scheduled date.

Race logistics

Participation is gated by a qualification process: swimmers must complete a 10-kilometer distance under four hours or a 15-kilometer swim to be eligible for the 25-kilometer main event. Regulations are specific about equipment—wetsuits are permitted based on your qualifying swim category, but their use is prohibited for those registered in the non-wetsuit class. Once the finish line is reached at Kotlin Island, the ceremony includes an electronic certificate and the placement of your name on the local board of honor, a tradition that marks the completion of the long-distance traverse.