24-hodinovka 2026

The rhythmic stroke of your hand breaks the stillness of the water as the sun begins its slow descent over the horizon. Beneath you, the lake bottom shifts from visible silt to a darker, deeper blue, a reminder of the industrial scale of the Hrušov Reservoir that dominates this corner of the landscape. As you navigate the perimeter, you are swimming through a massive 2,518-hectare expanse, a water system engineered to tame the mighty Danube. This is the setting for the 24hodinovka Veľká Voda 2026, an endurance challenge held in the private waters of Nové Košariská, a lake that feels lightyears away from the nearby bustling capital.

Historical currents and endurance

While the lake itself is a modern creation, the region is steeped in layers of a much heavier past. The town of Šamorín, which looms in the historical memory of the area, was once a thriving trade hub granted Royal free city status in 1405 by King Sigismund of Luxembourg. Centuries later, the same fields and plains that now host your support crews were transformed into makeshift camps for Russian and Italian prisoners of war during the First World War. Today, however, the only tension you will encounter is the personal fatigue of the 24-hour clock. The event, organized by the Ľadové Medvede Veľká voda, is a test of pure mental and physical persistence, where the water temperature and the stillness of the night become your primary companions. For those who enjoy this level of commitment, the region also hosts the European Aquatics Masters Championships later in August, offering a sharper, more competitive contrast to this steady, round-the-clock slog.

Navigating the venue

The logistics are as precise as the history is deep. Registration fees, ranging from 50 to 65 EUR depending on the booking window, cover the essentials: water safety, timekeeping, and the necessary sustenance to keep you moving through the night, including two hot meals and breakfast. The venue itself is private property, meaning the race is contained within the well-managed grounds of Nové Košariská, where a central white tent serves as your home base for the duration of the event. Just a short distance away, the artificial currents of the Čunovo whitewater course offer a glimpse into the region's more aggressive relationship with water sports. Whether you are circling the lake or observing the local bird sanctuary, the environment remains a constant, quiet observer of your progress.