HYDRA Legendary Swim

The Hydra Legendary Swim is a 9km point-to-point endurance challenge held on Lake Idro, typically scheduled in mid-September. The logistics are designed around a north-to-south crossing: after a morning accreditation at the Parco di Crone base camp, athletes are transported by boat to the starting beach at Ponte Caffaro. The race starts at 09:00, with a single refreshment point provided at the 5.5km mark near Anfo. Participants must navigate along the western shore, keeping the designated buoys to their left, before the final, open-water crossing to the finish line at Crone beach. The 9km distance requires careful energy management, and registration is strictly limited to athletes aged 16 and older.

Historical currents and landscapes

While navigating the western bank, you are swimming beneath the slopes of Mount Censo, a rugged peak that defines the horizon of the Brescia Prealps. As you pass Anfo, the route runs parallel to the legacy of the former Tormini-Vestone-Idro tramway, a logistical artery carved into the landscape during the First World War to support mountain military operations. The water itself is deep, reaching 122 meters in some sections, a hallmark of its glacial origin. Your path is overlooked by the silhouette of the Forte di Valledrane, an armored battery constructed in the early 20th century that serves as a silent witness to the region's complex military history.

Swimming in the shadow of history

Upon reaching the southern basin, you will approach the Crone tourist port, which is named in honor of Admiral Mario Tonni, the only admiral from the Val Sabbia in the Italian Navy. The race maintains a distinct character compared to others in the region; for example, those seeking shorter formats in these same waters can look to The Idroswim Mile, while swimmers looking to refine their open water pacing on the coast may consider the events at Salò. Birdwatchers may spot kingfishers or grey herons along the reeds, and the occasional pike or perch may be visible in the clearer stretches of the lake. The event is rounded off with a post-race meal in Crone, where the participation medal is awarded to all finishers.