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A total of 471 athletes took part in the National Open Water Swimming Races in Kocaeli, swimming from the Golcuk Degirmendere shore to Derince.
Izmit Bay, also known as the Gulf of Izmit, is a major inlet of the Sea of Marmara and one of Türkiye's most significant shipping and industrial waterways. Home to several ports and heavy industry facilities, the bay has historically served as a key hub for maritime trade in northwestern Türkiye.
An event was held on the Golcuk Degirmendere shore for the race, organized by the Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with the Golcuk and Derince municipalities, the Turkish Swimming Federation and the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports under the slogan "The two shores of the bay come together."
Speaking at the event, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Buyukakin said efforts would be made to organize the races at an international level.
Noting that seabed sediment cleaning work has been carried out in Izmit Bay, Buyukakin said that thanks to these efforts, all types of water sports will now be able to take place in Izmit Bay.
Golcuk Mayor Ali Yildirim Sezer and Derince Mayor Sertif Gokce also delivered speeches at the event.
Following the speeches, 338 male and 133 female athletes entered the water after the start signal was given by protocol members.
The swimmers came ashore at the finish point on the Derince shore. Prizes were presented to the top-placed athletes by protocol members.
The event was also attended by several local officials and political party representatives.
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