16th UltraEbre Swim Marathon

About the race

The Ebro flows with a steady, deliberate power, carving its path through the heart of Catalonia before reaching the Mediterranean. As you enter the water, you feel the river’s character—a mix of silty, nutrient-rich currents that have sustained this landscape for millennia. The depth shifts constantly, from shallow, sun-dappled stretches to deeper channels where the flow quickens, pulling you along the same trajectory that once dictated the movements of ancient fleets. In the spring of 217 BC, this very estuary became the site of a decisive clash during the Roman naval victory, where a surprise attack dismantled the Carthaginian fleet while their crews were foraging on the banks. Today, the water carries a different energy, focused on the 31km distance that defines the UltraEbre Swim Marathon.

Historical landmarks on the horizon. As you swim, the skyline is dominated by the Castle of the Suda, a formidable fortress perched 59 meters above the river. Its walls, shaped by the Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III and later the Crown of Aragon, have watched over this water for centuries, witnessing the 1148 siege that shifted regional power for generations. Near the promontory, keep an eye out for the circular silhouette of the Tubal Tower, steeped in the local legend of the grandson of Noah who supposedly founded the city. The history here is layered; in 1708, the riverbanks saw the intense conflict of the War of the Spanish Succession, a stark contrast to the quiet, rhythmic stroke of a long-distance swimmer.

Race day and the Biosphere. This marathon is not just about the swim; it is a journey through the Ebro Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area where the limestone peaks of the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountains frame your view. The race, first established in 2012, is a pure test of endurance that requires a dedicated kayaker for every swimmer, a logistical necessity given the unpredictable nature of river currents. For those looking to calibrate their pacing, the Baixada del Renaixement held in nearby Xerta offers a vital benchmark in the weeks leading up to the main event. Whether you are navigating the main channel or adjusting to the flow, you are moving through a living, breathing corridor of natural and human history.