Sponsored this year by Lidl, the Lake Balaton crossing between Révfülöp (northern shore) and Balatonboglár (southern shore) was originally scheduled for Saturday, however due to the uncertain weather and the risk of thunderstorms, it was decided the event would be postponed on Thursday.

Those who completed the chosen distance were rewarded with a 50% discounted ticket voucher for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

According to the organizers, the classic 5.2-kilometer test of strength was attempted by nearly 9,500 swimmers, hampered by the slightly stronger winds from the southwest, making it difficult for them to swim on Central Europe’s largest lake.



Nearly 1,000 swimmers took on the 2.6-kilometer course from Balatonboglár and then returned to the same place after a half-circle, while 700 amateur SUP boarders completed the Balaton crossing between Révfülöp and Balatonboglár.

“Despite the postponement, more than 10,000 people completed the various distances of this Balaton Cross-Swimming in or on the water. Regardless of the slightly stronger than expected morning wind, the event was a huge success in its 41st year,” emphasized Árpád Kocsis, director of the Budapest Sports Office race.

Among the participants was Katalin Novák, the President of the Republic, who swam across Lake Balaton for the first time with her husband.



The largest open water swimming event in Hungary attracted participants from 1,071 localities and 49 countries, donating a total of more than six million forints (EUR 15,881) to several foundations and services.

The finishers in all three events were presented with individual medals and a rich prize package thanks to the sponsors.

MTI Photos: Tibor Katona

Source:
Hungary Today
- republished with permission