More than 180 swimmers from six countries — Bulgaria, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Romania — will take part in the 85th edition of Varna’s iconic event, the Galata – Varna Swimming Marathon. This was announced by the event organizers during a press conference at Yunashki Salon in Varna.

The marathon will take place on July 27. The oldest open-water swimming competition in Bulgaria is organized by the Bulgarian Navy, the Municipality of Varna, and PSK “Cherno More”, with the support of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.

Registration on the marathon platform will close on July 24.

The start is from the Karantinata area at Cape Galata, and the finish line is at Officer’s Beach – East. All participants must gather at the meeting point — Karantinata Fishing Port in Asparuhovo district — at 6:30 AM on July 27.

The swim will officially start at 9:00 AM, after a detailed safety briefing. Just before the start, the swimmers will receive a blessing for health and a safe crossing from Father Georgi of the St. Great Martyr Procopius of Varna Church.

The finish line will be on the northern side of Breakwater 102 (Second Breakwater) on the beach and will be marked with an arch on the shore.

Winners in the 85th edition of the international Galata – Varna Swimming Marathon will share a prize pool of 9,100 BGN.
The top male and female finishers will receive monetary prizes as follows:
1st place – 1,200 BGN; 2nd place – 900 BGN; 3rd place – 700 BGN; 4th place – 600 BGN; 5th place – 500 BGN; 6th place – 400 BGN.

Special prizes will be awarded to the best-performing local Varna swimmer (male and female), who will receive holiday vouchers provided by “Blue Summer” Houses, Hotel Chernomorets – Varna, and trophies from the State Enterprise “Port Infrastructure”.

Decathlon sports stores will award 50 BGN vouchers to the male and female swimmers who place 3rd, as well as to a child with special educational needs. Additional bonuses are planned for the three best-performing foreign participants.

There will be a 250 BGN prize for a swimmer with a disability and the same amount for the swimmer with the most marathon participations. These swimmers will also receive surprises from Dalboka Mussel Farm – Kavarna.

Prizewinners will also receive awards from Generali Insurance Broker Center – Varna.

For the first time, everyone who successfully completes the distance will receive a medal. The medal is finely crafted and will be a cherished souvenir for all who take part in Varna’s most beautiful summer experience. The front side bears the marathon’s logo, and the back shows the logos of the organizers — PSK “Cherno More”, the Municipality of Varna, and the Bulgarian Navy.

A special trophy will also be awarded by the family of DobriDinev, the legendary Bulgarian marathon swimmer. The trophy will be presented by his wife, Margarita Dineva.

The marathon team extends special thanks to the Municipality of Varna and the Mayor of Asparuhovo, Ivaylo Marinov, for their support in naming a street in the district after DobriDinev, who was born and lived there.

The marathon director is retired Captain First Rank KamenKukurov, and the chief referee is ViliTsekov.

“The last three marathons have shown that climate change affects the organization of sporting events. Once, we even had to stop the marathon due to a three-ball wave in Varna Bay. After analyzing the situation, the organizing committee decided to move the event to the last Sunday of July. We hope this is the right choice. If the weather is on our side, this might become a tradition,” said Director Captain Kukurov. He added that, for the first time this summer, everyone who finishes the marathon will receive a medal.

“This year, all swimmers will be required to wear a swim cap with the marathon logo, which they can keep as a souvenir. We thank the Municipality of Varna, without whose support the successful organization of the marathon would be impossible. This event is iconic for Varna. The participation of the Bulgarian Navy is also crucial — 90% of the vessels ensuring the swimmers’ safety are provided by the Navy and the Naval Academy. Our appreciation goes to PSK ‘Cherno More,’ which has been at the heart of these 85 editions of the swimming marathon. Let’s not forget the volunteers, without whom no major event would be possible,” emphasized Captain Kukurov.

Varna Deputy Mayor IliyaKoev described the event as symbolic for Varna and rich in history. He wished success to the participants and firmly stated that the Municipality of Varna will continue to fund the event.

“It is an honor and privilege for the Bulgarian Navy to participate in the organization of the marathon. Sport unites — in our city, this iconic event is a great example of how state institutions, local authorities, and volunteers work together for a common cause. The Navy will ensure the safety of the event with two motorboats, four rowing boats, four Zodiac speedboats, transport vehicles, and support for the judging team. The Medical University – Varna will provide the motorboat ‘Panacea,’ and the General Directorate of Emergency Rescue will supply a rescue boat. The Naval Academy will provide two YAL 6 rowing boats and a speedboat,” explained Captain Bozhidar Ivanov, Chief of Staff of the Bulgarian Navy.

Kristian Dimitrov, Director of the Municipal Sports Directorate, called on more people from Varna to join the 85-year tradition that the marathon represents.

“We thank the Varna and VelikiPreslav Diocese for arranging for a priest to bless the participants who will swim the marathon,”Dimitrov added.

Vladimir Varbanov, Chairman of PSK “Cherno More,” shared: “For our club, it is an honor and a responsibility to be the organizer of the Galata – Varna marathon. Our goal is for more people to swim it. Swimming is a symbol of discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. With this, I wish to encourage all participants in the marathon, who train hard and dedicate themselves to this challenge. We thank all sponsors, supporting institutions, and volunteers. Special thanks to the Municipality of Varna and the Bulgarian Navy.”

Chief referee VilisavTsekov explained that the main goal of the organizers is for all participants to exit the sea safely: “Over the years, we have witnessed swimmers receiving unauthorized assistance from private boats. This swim is conducted only with swimsuits permitted by the International Federation — wetsuits are not allowed. Every year we optimize the arrival of participants. We hope the weather will be favorable,”Tsekov wished.

Captain Valentin Enchev, Director of the Maritime Administration – Varna, commented that the institution provides vessels that ensure the safety of the swimmers.

Nikola Petrov, head coach of the organizing club PSK “Cherno More,” wished the swimmers a safe and successful swim.