The Peninsula
Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) will organize the first meet of the FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2020, which will see the participation of the world’s best long-distance swimmers at Doha’s stunning Katara Beach on February 15.
It will be the third consecutive year when the elite-level 10km men and women races will be held in the Qatari capital, which is also home to multiple FINA Swimming World Cups and the 2014 FINA World Swimming Championships.
QSA, with the hosting of the major swimming events, is preparing to deliver the successful 2023 FINA World Aquatics Championships.
“The FINA Marathon Swim World Series is another major event which the QSA is organizing on an annual basis as we are getting ready to stage the World Aquatics Championships in 2023,” QSA President Khaleel Al Jabir said in a statement.
“We have an experienced team that works tirelessly to deliver successful competitions. Like last two meets in Corniche waters, I am confident this year’s marathon at the spectacular Katara Beach will also be an experience to remember for the swimmers, officials and the spectators,” he added.
“Our main goal is to promote swimming in the entire region and I am hopeful that the QSA will organize the World Aquatics Championships 2023 in a way that it will leave a lasting legacy,” said Al Jabir.
The FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2020 includes 10 stops and the Doha event will be followed by races in Victoria (SEY), Budapest (HUN), Setubal (POR), Lac St. Jean (CAN), Lac Megantic (CAN), Ohrid (MKD), Nantou (TPE), Chun’An (CHN) and Hong Kong (HKG).
Almost all the leading marathon swimmers including many Olympic and World champions will compete in the season-opening meet, with around 200 athletes from 28 countries already signed up.
Swimmers in both men and women races will complete four laps of 2.5km each to cover a distance of 10km.
Kristof Rasovszky (HUN) and Rachele Bruni (ITA), who will defend their overall men and women titles respectively this year, have confirmed their participation for the FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series Doha (QAT) 2020.
Last year in Doha, Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) - the overall winner of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018 won the women’s race while Florian Wellbrock (GER) was victorious in the thrilling men’s race. Both the swimmers will take part in the first meet to defend their Doha titles.
The final list of participants for February 15 races will be announced soon.