2ος Αγώνας Κολύμβησης Μαραθωνίας 2026 — Ioannina (KOE)

Arriving in Ioannina, the road winds through the mountainous terrain of Epirus before the landscape opens to reveal the expansive, still waters of Lake Pamvotis. The air feels different here, shaped by the basin’s ancient history; human presence has been documented in the nearby Kastritsa cavern for over 24,000 years, grounding the setting in deep, prehistoric time. As you approach the Molos lakefront, the city's relationship with the water becomes clear. This central green space offers a direct, panoramic view of the island and the calm surface that will host the 5km marathon swim.

Historical echoes on the water

Swimming the 5km course here means navigating a basin where local history and legend are physically layered. As you stroke through the water, the Aslan Pasha Mosque dominates the view from the northeastern citadel, a structure built in 1618 atop a monastery that reflects the city's complex Ottoman past. Further along, the castle grounds hold the Fethiye Mosque, near which lie the tombs of the powerful Ali Pasha and his family. The lake has been a witness to long struggles for control, including the 85-day siege during the Balkan Wars that concluded in the city's liberation in March 1913. These sites are not distant landmarks; they are constant companions to your line of sight as you navigate the buoys. The local lore even speaks of miraculous interventions, such as the 1379 defense against invading chieftains, attributed by the inhabitants to Saint Michael the Archangel, whose protection is still woven into the city’s identity.

The 2026 race environment

Organized by the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE), the event returns to these protected inland waters on March 7, 2026. The choice of early spring means the water is generally calm, though the ambient temperature requires careful consideration for endurance athletes preparing for the 5000m distance. While the lake is relatively sheltered, the scale of the basin and the surrounding mountains can create localized shifts in surface conditions. The federation’s involvement ensures a standard of technical support and safety protocols common in their national circuit, designed to allow swimmers to focus on the rhythm of the stroke rather than the navigation. Whether you are aiming for a personal best or simply completing the distance, the course offers a rare opportunity to swim through a landscape where the water has held the memory of civilizations for millennia.