Your questions answered
General Information
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It's very different - punchier, tougher, more rewarding, shorter but intense, with a big group of swimmers from all the world. It's a race not a cruise - although you approach it how you want - to win, to finish, to enjoy! It's a 5 star approach in terms of hotels and services, unashamedly so!
Apart from you are swimming and it takes up some holiday time, UltraSwim 33.3 is a very different proposition to the great swim holiday offerings Swim Trek and others make. UltraSwim 33.3 is a timed challenge, a race if you want, and you will swim at the pace you want - not in a managed group like the treks. You will normally be swimming with between 100 and 200 swimmers, rather than 10 or 12. You will push yourself harder, and be pushed harder, by those around you - but they will also support you through the more challenging moments. You will not want to miss a kilometre, even when you are tired or hurting - because you will want to try to finish all the swims and make the 33.3 in full. But yes you will get to relax, be fulfilled, make great new friends - its like going on a Swim Trek on steroids emotionally and physically. It's also doable over a long weekend - if in Europe, leave on Thursday morning and be back at home on Monday night. It's also a premium experience - 4 or 5 star hotels with options for Relais & Chateau level rooms, private transfers from the airport (we take care of all the details), sport massages included, wrapped in professional support - it's not cheap, but the value you will get will surpass your expectations we hope based on our events so far! We also have built in a package for non-participating partners who are VERY welcome - making them part of the experience without boring them watching too much of you swimming, yet being close enough to it to share.
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Not as fast as you probably think!
The event cutoff time (when we may have to ask you to stop a leg) is based on never more than 2km/h, modified downwards according to conditions. Experience tells us you should by the event be able to swim 2.5km in a one-hour pool or flat water open water venue time trial and have done at least one 4-5km open water swim beforehand in training.
Swimmers not making any particular swim cutoff time will of course still be able to carry on and complete the event albeit without an overall ranking - and then of course return again to earn the coveted 33.3 badge of honour! The cut off times apply regardless of whether you are swimming the full SOLO 33.3, or the BUILD 22.2 / DISCOVERY 11.1.
Check out the Results section too, under EVENTS menu, there you can see the actually paces swum on each day in a previous event - this will surely reassure you!
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As long as two of you are new to UltraSwim 33.3, a group of 4 has the 4th swimmer come at half price - a big saving!
You must book at the same time (and all must pay deposit within 72 hours). You can book different packages, but the discount will apply based on the ULTRA price for that event.
If you represent a bigger community group or Club please get in touch as we can offer further incentives and assistance. If you are Coach you will get an additional 500€ discount when coming with swimmers, plus some specific extra incentives to motivate your clients to come to our events whether you are there or not. Ask for our Coach/Club pack.
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UltraSwim 33.3 is a timed open-water swimming challenge covering the English Channel distance of 33.3km spread over 4 days and 6 or 7 swims. It takes place in various picturesque locations such as Montenegro, Croatia, Greece and Switzerland. It is a point-to-point format, an epic adventure swim race - we hate laps! Swimmers from all over the world join together to form an incredible community of like-minded people all with one aim - get that 33.3 Finisher badge!
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First event was in 2022, and the Epic Adventure Race Series is expanding fast!
The pilot event launched in 2022 with 30 swimmers. The first public event took place in Montenegro in October 2023 with 120 swimmers. The series has expanded to include events in Hvar island (Croatia), Skopelos (Greece), Lake Geneva and Herceg Novi (Montenegro). The plan is to expand to 8 events in 2027. The first time a venue is delivered, its often done as a 'Pioneer Edition' with smaller swimmer numbers by invitation only - more mature editions expand up to 150-200 swimmers.
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Any competent and determined swimmer can prepare and take on this 33.3 challenge!
Yes, with the proper training, any determined swimmer can complete an UltraSwim 33.3. The event is designed to be inclusive of swimmers with varying abilities, albeit those already swimming confidently and continuously front crawl. There are those racing each other for the podium at the front, those racing themselves and their own performance objectives in the middle, and those simply swimming to finish and not more - quite often these are the majority. Every finisher is a winner in our books!
You can come in a group of friends, a Club, or alone like most of our swimmers - although they usually go home with a big group of new global life-long friends!
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A majority of our swimmers have not taken on something like this before - you will be amazed at what you are capable of, with some reasonable preparation and the energy at the event to carry you across each finish line.
Whilst of course there are super experienced long distance swimmers in the 33.3 community, a majority come to our event having not previously done any big swims, and almost nobody with multi-day swim events since there are very few. Some with very little open water experience, and many who have never swam more than 3 or 4km in a single swim. And a big majority of them make the full 33.3! With some good preparation in the months beforehand, making use of our coaching and support advice, any competent swimmer is capable of taking this challenge on - you will surprise yourself what your mind can do even if your body is not always keen to listen! The collective energy of the 33.3 family of swimmers adds an energy source like no other...and as you build up to the big swim on day3, you will become stronger in mind and body, more confident, and capable of surpassing what you thought were your swimming limits!
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It hits the open water swimming sweet spot of balancing challenging with achievability!
Personal Achievement: It’s a significant undertaking that proves you can accomplish more than you think with the right determination and training.
Social Opportunities: The event facilitates the formation of lifelong friendships and a supportive community of swimmers.
Stunning Locations: Offers breathtaking scenery, both above and below the water, with clear waters, beautiful wildlife, and exclusive bays only accessible by water.
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In 1875, 150 years ago in 2025, Captain Matthew Webb created teh legend by swimming breaststroke for nearly 22 hours to become the first to cross the waters between England and France. The English Channel challenge is the Everest of open water swimming - but of course it maybe not everyone's cup of tea!
Mark Turner, Founder of UltraSwim 33.3, created the event out of a love for open-water swimming and a desire to inspire people to push themselves out of their comfort zones. Whilst an endurance swimmer himself, the iconic English Channel crossing itself didn't appeal "too cold, too dark, just too much commitment over several years to get a slot and cold water train etc - UltraSwim 33.3 seemed like a better way to do it!". "Multi-day events are extremely complex to manage, hence so few of them - but the multi-day format is a game changer in terms of the return on investment for a competitor on an emotional front!
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Firstly for 30 days after paying your €500 to secure your space, you can get a full refund with no questions asked. Then, with just a few exceptions where its 90 days, you can rollover your entry from one venue to any other in the same or following (only) year, up to 62 days before without any loss of credit. Within 60 (or in some cases 90) days we cannot get a refund of the hotel part at least and other fixed costs, so there is a sliding scale of amount to rollover. There is always an option to cancel fully and get a refund, the amount depends on at what point. See our full Booking Conditions for details.
Event details
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Over 4 days, you will swim at least 33.3 km. The course includes shorter and longer swims with a 10km plus 'marathon' day usually on the third day when you are feeling stronger and more confident! The distances vary from venue to venue, but they build up to this third day step by step.
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Starts are generally shortly after sunrise with a boat transfer to the start point on at least 2 of the days. Swims range from 1-2 hours up to 4-5 hours, followed by a refuel lunch, rest, sightseeing, optional coaching, and massage. Evening briefings and additional activities are also available. On the final day we aim to finish with a prizegiving at lunchtime to allow those needing to get home Monday night to leave without missing anything.
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The event includes multiple swim distances and formats over 4 days, point-to-point courses, and a variety of open water conditions. Every event is different, with local highlights, of course varied conditions and challenges, and stunning scenery to absorb.
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Its a race in the sense its timed, and there are rankings provided, and certainly a few swimmers aiming to podium in their categories. But a majority of swimmers just aim to finish, and are rewarded as 'winners' in their own right.
An UltraSwim 33.3 is a new category of open water event, defined as a multi-day timed swim challenge, with a total distance of at least 33.3km - the theoretical shortest distance of the famous English Channel crossing from England to France. With between 5 and 7 swims, including some un-timed sections, over 4 days it is tough enough to push swimmers out of their comfort zone, but accessible enough for any competent open water swimmer to complete. As a swimmer you should expect to be extended physically and mentally by the multi-day format, but you will finish strong and confident - and be rewarded with the UltraSwim 33.3® Finisher badge of honour! The event includes multiple swim distances and formats with the 4 days event period, on a point to point course in varied open water conditions, supported by a host of professional services, from a premium base. Includes a 10km marathon swim, a sunset/night swim ‘taster’, and both fjord and open water legs. Some days its one straight swim, others its split in to 2 legs. And the weather has the final say, so expect the unexpected, and plans A, B and C each day…but always with the intention of hitting the 33.3km objective! And yes, its a race, with some determined to win swimmers at the front - but its an event in which every finisher is a winner regardless of how fast they swim!
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Support and safety is a paramount during our events. In addition to transfer boats, which will remain with the swimmers, significant numbers of kayaks/SUP will paddle alongside the swimmers and be at key turning points (and sometimes marked by buoys). You should usually be able to see a kayak ahead or behind you, most of the time. In addition there will be a Race Director RIB and a dedicated Medical support boat. Your safety will be the paramount consideration throughout the event.
We also issue each swimmer a tracker, to track progress during the racing and ensure a swimmer is not out the safety range of the kayaks.
Preparation and Training
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Swim several times per week in a pool and try to get in a few open water swims. If you haven't swum much over 5K, getting in a 2-hour swim prior to the event will build your confidence.
Once you have entered, you will get access to our Swimmers’ Bubble which includes Training plans too. Also join our Strava Club to get other tips and advice. You’ll also get access once entered to our Training Support whatsapp group, where our expert are on hand every day to answer your preparation questions.
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Our professional coaches are available for pre-event training discussions and specific training plans. Coaching support is available during the event, with the aim of helping swimmers finish strong and confident.
ULTRA+ package entrants get a free pre-event video analysis (you provide the video) and at some events this 1:1 consultation is available, albeit for a subsidised fee.
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You should be able to swim 2.5km in a one-hour pool time trial and have done at least one 5km open water swim. The format includes daily time cutoffs but allows for completion even if you miss specific swim cutoffs.
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We'll be supporting you all the way with coaching tips, plans and general advice on how to prepare for a 33.3!
There are now many Affiliated coaches coming to the event as swimmers or supporting their own clients - and many training programmes catering for marathon swimming. At UltraSwim 33.3 we also provide particpants with training plans, whatsapp training and support group and access to some amazing coaches and swimmers to provide you with advice during the build up and at the event itself.
Health and Safety
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No specific requirements other than your own assessment that you are up to a swimming event where you will swim 33.3 km over 4 days. Rest, good food, and camaraderie are provided.
The only exception is the ULTIMATE 33.3 and 22.2 option in Croatia where we require a full medical certificate from your Doctor. This is a non-stop swim of up to 12 hours.
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Transfer boats, kayaks/SUP paddlers, a Race Director RIB, and a dedicated Medical support boat will accompany swimmers. Feed stations with food and liquids will be available for swims longer than 5km. Kayaks always have emergency supplies of gels and water too.
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Wetsuits are permitted but not required. You can switch to a wetsuit during the event, but your ranking category will depend on whether you start in skins or a wetsuit.
About half our swimmers are usually in wetsuits, depending on the event and water temperature.
Sustainability
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The elephant on the table (that we are not hiding) is that we are an event that incites you to travel, and usually by plane - we are aware of this but believe in offering these amazing positive social impact events in such a way to leave an overall positive impact on both environment, and the communities we touch. We aim to minimise our carbon and other material impacts - and then support Sea Trees Foundation's efforts in re-growing blue carbon projects like mangroves - we measure in detail the footprint of all our actions at each event and are net-positive in terms of carbon impact. We have a particular dislike of any single-use plastic - a major threat to all marine enviornments in the world - so we ban it at the event, we force our suppliers to deliver without plastic packaging, we lobby locally to ban plastic bags, we provide you with an aluminium water bottle and ensure there is drinkable water in the hotel taps/water dispensers. We will ruthlessly disqualify anyone littering - especially those gel packets! On which, we are working with Precision on volume delivery of such gels, to reduce the packaging. We are early signatories to the IUCN's Sport for Nature framework and are audited on our actions each year - we are working hard to eliminate from our events the toxic elements of sun tan lotion, anti-friction products and the like by sourcing better options and making this a rule in the future. We encourage the re-use and return of drybags and bottles so that our swimmers don't amass duplicate 'swag' at home for no reason. We are using recycled materials in all our merchandise, and even our medals are upcycled from old wooden furniture and the like - zero virgin material is used. We are campaiging locally to develop electric boat charging infrastructure so that we may replace fossil fuel safety boats in future with electric ones - and we maximise the use of kayaks for the safety envelope. The social pillar of sustainabilty is just as important to us - the event is inclusive, extremely diverse in terms of its participants and we bend over backwards to accommodate those swimmers with reduced mobility on land. We know we can facilitate the 'comeback' of people who have been through major trauma - we are honoured to play our role in such stories, and it an emotional return on investment for us that is more valuable than everything else. We know we have lots more to improve and do, and work each day to do things better in every part of our organisation and approach.
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Environmental Impact: Protection of natural environments.
Social Impact: Positive effects on mental health and community support.
Economic Impact: Maximising use of local suppliers, integrating sustainable practices in events, and campaigning locally on things like banning single-use plastic.
Travel and Accommodation
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You will be provided with a complete 'TRAVELBOOK' guide when you enter (or before if you are concerned about how to get there before booking). Arrival at venue should be at the latest on the Thursday (all events are same long weekend format), and you can leave on the Monday after lunchtime prizegiving - if you need to rush off! Or relax fulfilled after an epic challenge! We include 4 nights accommodation in your entry fee package, but you have options for extra nights, upgrades, single occupancy, your partner or family, special needs etc.. For ULTRA+ we manage your transfers (and ULTRA in some venues) from the local airport(s) - the idea is that you can just focus on swimming and not worry about the logistical details!
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Yes! Early breakfasts for race days, and normal hotel breakfast times if you arrive early or stay on extra days. A post swim refuel lunch is provided on Race days, the only thing you will need to arrange yourselves is your evening meals. But we give lots of recommendations
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We aim to cater for all allergies and special requirements as best we can. There are always vegetarian and vegan options where needed. You will be asked your dietary restrictions when you fill in our Swimmer Information Form - we will do our very best to cater for all cases.
Nutrition and Hydration
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Swimmers can lose between ~0.88 and ~1.25 liters per hour. It’s important to pre-hydrate and rehydrate after each swim. UltraSwim 33.3 has an amazing nutrition and hydration specialist partner called Precision Fuel & Hyrdation. We run webinars with their sports science, Chris Harris (who has competed in #3Croatia), and they offer a free 1:1 advice session with all our swimmers on request to them. They provide the event with feedstations supplies of energy gels, drinks and hydration.
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Target around 100 grams of carbohydrate per hour during long swims. Practicing fueling during training helps achieve this.
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Plan in advance and experiment with fuel formats during training. Use Carb or Carb/Electrolyte mix drinks, gels, and aid stations to ensure proper fueling.
Event Policies
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We have a super flexible rollover policy as we know you want to commit early, but that life throws a spanner in the works quite often! Cancellation options vary based on timing: Up to 62 days prior: Rollover entry to another event in the same or following year without penalty (just any extra costs to pay) or 90% refund. 62 to 42 days prior: Rollover or 75% refund. 42 to 21 days prior: Rollover or 50% refund. Less than 21 days: 25% refund on Entry Payment. Replacement of participants allowed up to 2 days before the event. Full T&Cs are available HERE and will always supersede the answer posted here (as they are updated more regularly than this guide).
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UltraSwim 33.3 strongly recommends that you take out personal accident insurance to protect yourself against any personal injury you may suffer. To protect yourself from the unexpected and the accidental. We have created a special insurance policy for this with our partner Besafe. Our Full booking conditions can be found HERE Click here Besafe insurance now covers EU and non-EU residents with the following: Medical expenses outside country of residence: €100,000 Example: a Swiss or Brazilian who comes to race in Greece is outside his or her country of residence (Switzerland, Brazil). Repatriation assistance worldwide: actual costs Search and rescue costs: €10,000 And a lot more benefits on top of this for EU residents.
For more details - https://ultraswim.assur-connect.com/en
Registration and Contact Information
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Register on the official website. Check for fees, deadlines, and available spaces.
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Email the support team for additional questions on epicswims@ultraswim333.com
Or Whatsapp us on +33611714204