XXX La Costilla

The XXX La Costilla features three distinct distances—2000m, 1000m, and 300m—held annually on the sands of Playa de la Costilla. Scheduled for August 16, 2026, this event operates under strict no-wetsuit rules, requiring participants to manage the Atlantic water conditions without thermal assistance. The logistics center is positioned at the Plaza Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, where the start and finish lines are marked directly on the beach. Registration fees range from 7 to 18 euros, covering the timing chip and access to the course. Because the event is organized by the Club Natación Rotartessos in cooperation with local sports authorities, the field is capped at 350 participants to ensure safety and effective management of the coastal route.

Conditions and course logistics

Swimmers navigate the Atlantic current along the Rota coastline. The absence of a wetsuit mandate reflects the seasonal water temperatures typical of the Andalusian coast in mid-August. Organizers provide a specific 'combo' registration option, allowing athletes to compete in both the 2000m and 1000m distances during the same morning. The race schedule is compressed to manage the local maritime traffic and beach activity: the 2000m event kicks off at 09:30, followed by the shorter youth and absolute categories throughout the morning.

Local environment

The race takes place within the town of Rota, a municipality sitting at 9 meters above sea level in the province of Cádiz. Participants swim parallel to a coastline that has historically served as a strategic point in the region, with the course layout utilizing the natural configuration of the beach. Athletes should expect a standard coastal swim where the orientation depends heavily on the prevailing Atlantic swell. The organization emphasizes technical adherence to the rules, ensuring that all participants are categorized correctly from junior to master 70 age groups.