Vis Swim Marathon – Swimming from Host Island to the waterfront in Vis

The Vis Swim Marathon is one of the most recognized sporting events in the town of Vis and has been held for decades during the summer season. It is particularly notable for its route – swimmers do not circle along the coast or return to the same place, but start from Host Island at the entrance to Vis Bay and swim towards the town, finishing at the Customs Pier on the waterfront in Vis.

The distance is approximately 2.2 kilometers. It is challenging enough to present a real test even for experienced swimmers, but due to this distance, it is also appealing to well-prepared recreational swimmers. The sea, the open space of Vis Bay, and the view towards the town give the race a character that is difficult to compare with a traditional coastal swimming competition.

The first Vis Swim Marathon took place in 1998 in honor of the Feast of the Assumption. Over time, the event has become a regular part of life in Vis during August, with the date typically around August 15. However, the exact date should be verified each year as the schedule may change.

From Host Island across Vis Bay

The start at Host is the most interesting part of the entire marathon concept. The island is located at the entrance to Vis Bay, far enough from the town that the entire route towards the waterfront is visible to the competitors at the start.

Before the race, competitors gather in the town, and organized boat transport takes them from the waterfront to the start at Host. The boats also play an important safety role – they accompany the swimmers through the bay, assist with orientation, and ensure the route during the competition.

After the start, the direction is very clear: towards the interior of Vis Bay and the town of Vis. As the swimmers approach the shore, the final part of the race takes place right in front of the waterfront, with the finish line at the Customs Pier. This conclusion in the town center gives the event a special atmosphere as competitors return directly among the audience after more than two kilometers in open water.

A race for competitors and good recreational swimmers

The Vis Swim Marathon is not reserved solely for professional swimmers. Recreational swimmers who meet the age and other requirements specified in the annual regulations are also eligible to participate.

In recent editions, the competition has been open to swimmers aged 14 and older, while minors must have written consent from a parent or guardian. Competitors are categorized into male and female divisions based on age, with an overall ranking and special awards for the best competitors from the town of Vis.

Swimmers compete using the freestyle stroke, and the rules regarding the use of wetsuits and other technical details are determined by the regulations for each edition.

Although 2.2 kilometers may not sound extreme at first glance, swimming across an open bay should be taken seriously. Wind, waves, sea currents, and orientation in open water can make the course more challenging than the same distance in a pool or along the coast.

Swimmer safety at sea

Safety organization is one of the most important aspects of the Vis Swim Marathon. Boats are assigned to accompany the swimmers, and the organization includes personnel at sea and on land, medical support, and authorities responsible for navigation safety.

In previous editions, professional judges, the Port Authority, maritime police, nautical and municipal inspectors, and medical staff have participated in ensuring the event's safety. The boats serve not only as support during the race but also for transporting competitors from Vis to the start at Host.

This level of organization is particularly important as the route crosses a large part of Vis Bay, which is simultaneously an active town port and a space through which many boats navigate during the summer.

The finish at the Customs Pier

The best viewing area for spectators is the waterfront area and the Customs Pier. This is where the fastest competitors and recreational swimmers who accepted the challenge of crossing the bay finish.

Since the finish line is located in the town itself, the conclusion of the race has a much livelier atmosphere than if it were held towards a secluded beach. The arrival of the swimmers can be followed from the waterfront, and after the race, there is an announcement of results, award presentations, and a gathering of participants.

As part of the event, additional music or entertainment programs are often organized, making the swim marathon not just a sporting event but one of the livelier summer days in the town of Vis.

A long tradition of the Vis Swim Marathon

The first edition took place in 1998, and over the years, the marathon has evolved into an event that gathers local swimmers, visitors from other parts of Croatia, and international participants.

The seriousness of the event as a competitive sporting occasion is evidenced by the number of participants – in one of the recent editions, nearly a hundred swimmers started, with a large majority successfully completing the entire course.

However, the result is not the only reason for participation. For many recreational swimmers, the main goal is simply to swim across Vis Bay – to start from Host and reach the waterfront in Vis using their own strength. This feeling of crossing from the island across open water to the town makes the Vis Swim Marathon different from a standard race with a set distance.

Registration and useful information

Registrations open before each edition of the marathon and are usually done online. Competitors must fill out a registration form and, when applicable, pay the entry fee. Rules, categories, registration deadlines, and other details may change from year to year.

Location: Vis Bay, town of Vis

Start: Host Island

Finish: Customs Pier on the waterfront in Vis

Course length: approximately 2.2 km

Timing: mid-August, around the Feast of the Assumption

Organizer: Tourist Board of the town of Vis

Before arriving or registering, it is advisable to check the current date, start time, and official regulations for the current edition here: https://www.facebook.com/tzgvis/