The X-WATERS international swim in Nizhny Novgorod will take place on July 26.

      July 25, 2025, 09:00

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      Sports

      Over 3,000 swimmers from 12 countries will gather in Nizhny Novgorod on July 25–26, 2025, for the ninth edition of the international X-WATERS Volga swim, the largest open water competition in Russia. The event will be part of the X-WATERS World Championship 2025 series.

      On Friday, July 25, the starting area will open, where registered participants can receive their race packets. An entertainment program will be organized for spectators.

      The main competitions will take place on July 26. Participants will have to complete one of four distances: 1, 2, 3, or 5 kilometers. Three routes cross the Volga River, while the two-kilometer swim will take place along the confluence of the Oka and Volga rivers. The longest distance — 5 km — involves crossing the river twice.

      All athletes will finish near the "Hero" boat at the foot of the Chkalov Staircase. Here, a finish town will be set up, becoming the main observation point for the event.

      Due to the swim on July 26, from 12:00 to 17:00, movement of small vessels on the Volga and Oka rivers will be restricted on the section between the Borsky Bridge, the Metro Bridge, and the cableway.

      The swim is supported by the Ministry of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. In 2025, the event will continue its partnership with the Charity Foundation "Vremya RASsveta" — participants will have the opportunity to make donations during registration.

      Nizhny Novgorod Interfax Agency (NIA) spokeswoman Daria Kabaïlo emphasized that X-WATERS Volga is not just a sporting event but a project that inspires personal achievement, promotes sports tourism, and unites swimmers from around the world. According to her, the location is unique: Oka flows into the Volga here, and the current and water temperature pose a serious challenge to participants.

      The X-WATERS series began in Nizhny Novgorod and now includes 22 events in scenic corners of Russia and around the world. The winners of the Nizhny Novgorod stage will have a chance to compete for prizes in the overall X-WATERS World Championship standings. Points are awarded for each finish, and season results will be summarized in individual, club, and corporate formats.

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