Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) will organise the first meet of the FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2020, which will see the participation of 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 organising 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 which 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.
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.
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 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.
Doha Open Water Challenge to attract huge participation on February 14
Over one hundred swimmers have already registered for the Doha Open Water Challenge, which will take place a day before the marathon.
QSA in collaboration with the FINA holds this event – open to everyone over the age of 11 years old – to give unique experience to the home swimmers. During this competition, the participating athletes get the same facility and full services as elite athletes receive.
The event, which will be held on February 14, will consist of three age group categories and different distances: 400m for boys and girls aged 11-14, 800m for boys and girls aged 15-17, and 1,200m for boys and girls aged 18 and over.
The entries and registration are accepted either through e-mail to [email protected] or at the Qatar Swimming Association offices on the 7th floor (Olympic Tower in West Bay) from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm till February 10, 2020.
