2ος Αγώνας Κολύμβησης Μαραθωνίας 2026 — Iraklio (KOE)

The approach to Heraklion by sea immediately frames the city as a historical sentinel. From the deck of the ferry, your eyes are drawn to the Koules fortress, the massive 16th-century fortification that still guards the harbor entrance today. Arriving in this capital of Crete, one senses the weight of a place that has been a focal point for maritime power for over a millennium. As you navigate towards the EAKI National Swimming Center, you are moving through a landscape shaped by centuries of conflict, from the 10th-century Siege of Chandax where Byzantine forces reclaimed the city from Saracen pirates, to the fierce Battle of Heraklion in 1941, which left an indelible mark on the port area you now traverse.

Race day at EAKI

The 5,000-meter event takes place within the controlled environment of the EAKI pool, a facility that offers a distinct contrast to the unpredictable Aegean waters that surround the city. This race, organized by the Hellenic Swimming Federation, serves as a test of endurance for those preparing for the broader season. If you are looking to benchmark your performance early in the year, this event is a natural follow-up to the first marathon swimming race held in January. The competition atmosphere here is professional and focused, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted commitment to aquatic sports, as evidenced by the local clubs that train year-round in these facilities. While the race itself is held in the pool, the history of this city—from the long Venetian sieges to its ancient connections as the port for Knossos—remains the silent backdrop to your time in Heraklion. The Venetian Moat Park, now a green lung for the city, stands as a reminder of the massive fortifications that once protected the very harbor you overlook upon arrival.