KaloyanDragnev (57:13 min) and Petra Zaharieva (1:00:06) claimed victory in the 86th edition of the Galata–Varna International Swimming Marathon. The event was organized by PSK Cherno More, the Bulgarian Navy, and the Municipality of Varna. The Chief Referee was ViliTzekov.
KaloyanDragnev, representing Bulgaria’s most successful swimming club, PSK Cherno More, dominated the men’s race. The swimmer, coached by Nikola Petrov, crossed the finish line first in an impressive 57:13 minutes.
Ivaylo Milev finished second in 58:37, while Dimitar Dimitrov (58:38) and Samuil Andreev (59:03), both also representing PSK Cherno More, placed third and fourth respectively.
In the women’s competition, Petra Zaharieva took first place in 1:00:06. She was followed by BozhenaMykhailovna (1:03:34), ZhasminaMednikarova (1:06:18), LiliyaMednikarova, Mira Parusheva, and Hristeya Nikolova.
A total of 239 swimmers from nine countries—the United States, Canada, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria—took part in this year’s edition of the marathon.
The Special Award for a Swimmer with Disabilities was presented to Omer Kalay, while the prestigious DobriDinev Trophy was awarded to the men’s champion, KaloyanDragnev.
A commemorative plaque in memory of NadezhdaParusheva, who devoted her life to the Galata–Varna Marathon, was presented to Miroslav Savov, the participant with the highest number of successful finishes over the years—42 in total. The award was presented by Parusheva’s granddaughter, Siyana.
In the junior categories, Samuil Andreev and Mira Parusheva claimed first place among boys and girls respectively.
One of the most remarkable stories of this year’s event belonged to AntoanetaDraganova, who first completed the Galata–Varna Marathon at the age of just six, swimming alongside her father. Today, she continues to be part of the marathon’s enduring tradition.
