Participants from over 1,100 Hungarian localities and citizens from 51 countries visited Hungary’s ‘sea’ for the event this Sunday. Among the competitors of the Lake Balaton Cross Swimming, there were individuals who had not missed a single race since 1979. This year, more than 11,000 people took part in the 42nd Lidl Lake Balaton Cross Swimming between Révfülöp and Balatonboglár, surpassing last year’s attendance. Due to bad weather on Saturday, the start was postponed by a day. Early on Sunday morning, perfect conditions greeted the participants, though later in the day, the wind picked up, demanding increased attention from both the swimmers and the organizers. Around noon, the start had to be temporarily suspended for approximately one hour to ensure the swimmers’ safety, according to the organizers’ statement.
Participants could make their way to the southern shore through a swimming corridor created with the help of around 150 sailboats. Those who became tired could hold on to or even climb out onto the boats to rest. In addition to the 150 sailboats, the event was supported by three hospital ships, motorboats, doctors, healthcare professionals, lifeguards, water police, and several hundred organizers to ensure the safety of the participants.
Swimmers could choose from three challenges: most opted for the classic 5.2-kilometre distance, swimming from Révfülöp to Balatonboglár. Those who found this too challenging could sign up for the 2.6-kilometre half-distance. Additionally, a growing number of participants registered for the Balaton Cross Paddle, covering the 5,200 metres between the northern and southern shores on SUPs.
Participants hailed from over 1,100 domestic localities and 51 countries.
Many participants mentioned at the start line that this was their first time competing. Among them was a lady who last swam in 1986 and wanted to prove to herself that she could do it again after a 38-year hiatus. The field also included Béla Gurbán, a 70-year-old retiree from Budakeszi, who has not missed a single Balaton Cross Swimming since 1979, completing the 5.2 kilometres for the 42nd time this year.
Men made up the majority of the participants (60–40 per cent), whereas more women (53 per cent) signed up for the half-distance swim. The oldest participant was an 84-year-old gentleman, while nearly one in ten swimmers were under 18, including many primary school children.
Since 1979, more than 235,000 people have swum across Lake Balaton.
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