VIII Galipa Swim

The Galipa Swim returns to the Zierbena harbor on October 10, 2026, offering two distinct race distances in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Biscay. Swimmers can choose between a 400-meter course designed for emerging participants and a 2000-meter route for those seeking a longer challenge, both held entirely within the protected limits of the port. The logistics are structured to ensure a controlled environment, as the harbor infrastructure effectively buffers the race from the open sea conditions of the surrounding Cantabrian Sea.

Race day logistics

Organized by the local council, the event utilizes the port's pedestrian zones for race bib collection and post-race amenities. The 2000-meter event is split into specific start times, with the men's absolute category beginning at 17:30 and the women's at 17:35, followed shortly by the disability category at 17:40. The 400-meter race, categorized as 'Promesas', starts earlier in the afternoon at 17:00. Wetsuits are permitted for all participants, a practical inclusion given the late-season timing of the event. While the harbor provides a safe, wave-free zone for the swim, the surrounding region of Bizkaia remains a rugged landscape, historically tied to the industrial heritage of the Las Encartaciones district and the mining history that shaped this coastline. The event serves as a final opportunity to test form in a secure, maritime-industrial setting before the winter season.