56. Travesía del Paseo Nuevo

In San Sebastián, the morning of the Travesía del Paseo Nuevo carries a distinct rhythm, marked by the meticulous preparations of the C.D. Fortuna, a sporting institution that has been fostering local athleticism for over a century. Long before the first swimmers gather at the Zurriola beach, the club’s members are already setting the stage for what has become a deeply rooted summer ritual in Donostia. The event’s history is a mirror of the region's own transformation: after initial iterations in the early 1930s under different names, the race survived the disruption of the civil war and thrived for decades under various local organizers before returning to its current form under the Fortuna banner in 1999.

The course

Swimmers taking on the 2,959-meter main event embark from the vibrant sands of the Zurriola beach, a starting point that demands focus as participants head toward the finish at the iconic La Concha beach. The navigation requires spotting two green and seven yellow buoys, all of which must be kept on the left side throughout the passage. For the younger athletes, the 650-meter course offers a shorter, more direct challenge, beginning at the stairs of the Náutico and concluding at the same finish line. The organizers emphasize the communal nature of the day, with all participants required to wear the official cap and display their dorsal number on both arms, ensuring visibility and order in the water.

Race day logistics

Logistical precision defines the race day, as the influx of athletes transforms the city center. Competitors must collect their chips and gear near the clocks at La Concha beach before making their way to the start. To manage the movement of swimmers, the organization provides a dedicated bus service from Calle Miramar—near Hegalak—to ensure a smooth transition to the start line. Those aiming for a podium spot or a personal best should note that the registration fees scale based on timing, moving from 35,00 EUR in the early phase to 45,00 EUR as the mid-August date approaches. The event maintains a strict 'no watch' policy, requiring swimmers to rely on their own pacing and the natural cues of the bay. By the time the final awards are presented at the La Concha promenade, the day serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of open water swimming in the heart of San Sebastián.