Vis Swim Marathon – swimming from Host islet to the waterfront in Vis

The Vis Swim Marathon is one of the most recognisable 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 spot; instead, they start from Host islet at the entrance to Vis Bay and swim towards the town, finishing at the Customs Pier on the waterfront.

The distance is approximately 2.2 kilometres. It poses a genuine challenge even for experienced swimmers, yet its length also appeals to well-prepared recreational swimmers. The open waters of Vis Bay and the view of the town lend the race a character that is difficult to compare with traditional swimming competitions along the coast.

The first Vis Swim Marathon took place in 1998 to mark the Feast of the Assumption. Over time, the event has become a regular part of life in Vis during August, with the date typically falling around 15th August. However, it is advisable to check the exact date each year as the schedule may vary.

From Host islet across Vis Bay

The start at Host is the most intriguing aspect of the entire marathon concept. The islet is located at the entrance to Vis Bay, far enough from the town that competitors at the start have a clear view of almost the entire route towards the waterfront.

Before the race, competitors gather in the town, and organised boat transport takes them from the waterfront to the start at Host. The boats also play a crucial safety role – they accompany the swimmers through the bay, assist with navigation, and ensure the route is secure during the competition.

Once the race begins, the direction is straightforward: towards the interior of Vis Bay and the town of Vis. As 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 heart of the town creates a unique atmosphere, as competitors return directly among the spectators after more than two kilometres in open water.

A race for competitors and recreational swimmers alike

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

In recent editions, the competition has been open to swimmers aged 14 and over, with minors required to have written consent from a parent or guardian. Competitors are divided into male and female categories based on age, with an overall ranking and special awards for the best participants from the town of Vis.

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

Although 2.2 kilometres may not sound extreme at first glance, swimming across open water should be taken seriously. Wind, waves, sea currents, and navigation 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 organisation is one of the key components of the Vis Swim Marathon. Boats are deployed to accompany the swimmers, and the organisation involves personnel both at sea and on land, medical support, and authorities responsible for maritime 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 organisation is particularly important as the route crosses a significant part of Vis Bay, which is simultaneously an active town port and a thoroughfare for a large number of vessels during the summer.

The finish at Customs Pier

For spectators, the best vantage point is the area around the waterfront and Customs Pier. This is where both the fastest competitors and recreational swimmers who have taken on the challenge of crossing the bay finish.

As the finish line is located in the town itself, the conclusion of the race has a much livelier atmosphere than if it were held at a secluded beach. The arrival of the swimmers can be followed from the waterfront, and after the race, there is a ceremony for announcing results, awarding prizes, and socialising among participants.

Often, additional musical or entertainment programmes are organised as part of the event, making the swim marathon not just a sporting race 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 brings together local swimmers, visitors from other parts of Croatia, and international participants.

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

However, achieving a good 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. It is this feeling of crossing from the islet over open water to the town that makes the Vis Swim Marathon different from a standard race over a set distance.

Registration and useful information

Registrations open prior to each edition of the marathon and are usually completed online. Competitors must fill out a registration form and, where applicable, pay an entry fee. The rules, categories, registration deadlines, and other details may change from year to year.

Location: Vis Bay, town of Vis

Start: Host islet

Finish: Customs Pier on the waterfront in Vis

Course length: approximately 2.2 km

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

Organiser: 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/