Copa Brasil de Águas Abertas — Palmas

About the race

Water temperatures in the Lago de Palmas during the dry season, specifically around mid-September, hover consistently between 26°C and 29°C. With air temperatures frequently climbing beyond 40°C, the reservoir acts as the primary heat sink for the region. Swimmers should anticipate a glassy, stable surface, as the massive damming project of the Lajeado Hydroelectric Reservoir, completed in 2002, has effectively neutralized the original river currents. This creates a vast, open-water environment that is technically demanding due to its scale rather than turbulent movement, requiring consistent pacing under the intense tropical sun.

A landscape of history and heat. As you navigate the course, the horizon is dominated by the dramatic escarpments of the Serra do Carmo and Serra do Lajeado mountains, which enclose the city in a distinct 'bow' valley. The surrounding shoreline is a testament to the Cerrado biome, where twisted, resilient shrubland trees stand as silent observers; many of these specimens predate the 1990 founding of Palmas itself. Looking toward the horizon, the eight-kilometer-long Fernando Henrique Cardoso Bridge—recently renamed to honor Governor José Wilson Siqueira Campos—serves as a vital architectural landmark, its massive pillars providing a reliable sighting reference for the longer 10km distances. The race is organized by the CBDA, with the 2026 edition scheduled for September 11, offering distances ranging from 1500m to 10km. Swimmers should be aware that the region holds deep roots in the history of the Macro-Jê linguistic trunk, and while you focus on your stroke, you are traversing waters that overlap with an area containing over twenty recognized archaeological sites throughout the state of Tocantins. The entry fee covers the essential logistics of managing such a wide, open-water venue, including safety watercraft and the necessary environmental monitoring, ensuring that the competition remains a controlled yet authentic experience in the heart of Brazil's youngest capital.

Entry fees

• 1.5 km — 30.2 € (189 BRL) · Rate for Affiliated Athletes (R$ 203.00 for Non-Affiliated Athletes)
• 2.5 km — 30.2 € (189 BRL) · Rate for Affiliated Athletes (R$ 203.00 for Non-Affiliated Athletes)
• 4 km — 30.2 € (189 BRL) · Rate for Affiliated Athletes (R$ 203.00 for Non-Affiliated Athletes)
• 10 km — 30.2 € (189 BRL) · Rate for Affiliated Athletes (Brazilian Interclub Championship)

Tariffa standard per atleti confederati CBDA. La quota per gli atleti non confederati (vinculados) è di R$ 203,00.

Awards

Awards follow CBDA regulations for Brazilian Open Water Circuit stages.

Participant kit

• Event cap
• Timing chip

Standard kit provided by CBDA for official circuit events.

Mandatory gear

• Personal safety buoy — Mandatory for all participants as per CBDA safety regulations.

Organizer

CBDA - Confederação Brasileira de Desportos Aquáticos

Official site