Caleta de Sebo, in La Graciosa, was the epicenter of the 30th edition of the 'El Río' Swim Crossing this Saturday. The event, which combines a sporting aspect with a festive atmosphere, had 559 theoretical registrants. A total of 315 participants successfully completed the approximately 2,600-meter course, starting from Lanzarote, while 170 were disqualified and dozens did not show up. The race attracted a large crowd of spectators.
In the men's category, the podium of honor consisted of Herminio Fernández Alperi (CN Santa Olaya) in first place, followed by Álvaro Cabrera Winter, the winner in 2025, and Diego Vázquez Hernández (CN Nadamás), after a review by judges at the finish line.
In the women's competition, Natalia Emilia Sasu Bodarnea (CN Nadamás) took first place, repeating her success from the previous year. She was followed by María Wood Mesa (CN Metropole) and Lily Gopar Cordovés (CN Nadamás).
During the award ceremony, attended by authorities from the Cabildo and the city councils of Teguise and Haría, the insular head of Sports, Juan Monzón, announced that the 2027 edition will take place on Saturday, October 9th.
A total of 41 participants managed to complete the unique journey in under an hour.
The first edition of the 'El Río' Swim Crossing was held in September 1993, organized by the Real Club Victoria de Gran Canaria, with just about 50 participants and limited support. Over time, the initiative has grown into a large-scale event, attracting hundreds of swimmers, and even exceeding 700 in some editions. The Cabildo took over the management of the race due to its increasing popularity.
The crossing has established itself as a major social event at the beginning of autumn. On occasion, it has been held at the end of summer. Despite cancellations due to adverse sea conditions and strong winds in 2019, 2021, and 2023, and the event not being held in 2020 due to the pandemic, the race has maintained its significance.
