Few stretches of water in the world can match the mix of physical challenge and sheer emotional exhilaration that the Bosphorus Strait offers to swimmers making the legendary crossing from Asia to Europe.
The annual cross-continental “race” from Asia to Europe is organized by Municipality of Istanbul and Turkish Olympic Committee.
The race morning, Turkish authorities shut down the strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, for three hours to allow swimmers time to make the 6.5 km (4 miles) crossing.
2018 is 30th year of the Istanbul's annual Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race.
1,200 non-professional swimmers aged 14 to 80 who qualify from nearly 50 countries will gather for the “people's swim” on July 22nd.
Competitors in Istanbul's annual Bosphorus Cross-Continental can take in the view of stunning Ottoman palaces, modern suspension bridges and 500-year-old military fortresses as they navigate currents.
Sometimes dolphins join the swimmers during the race.
It's not about how you finish but how much you enjoyed it while it lasted.
The race begins with a sprint from the seaside village of Kanlica to the middle of the channel in search of the southbound stream. The powerful current can reach up to seven knots.