42. Lidl-Balaton-Swimming
On July 20, next Saturday, the largest sporting event on Lake Balaton will take place for the 42nd time: thousands will set out once more to swim across Lake Balaton.
According to the organizers, the number of registrations has exceeded the dream mark of 10,000 participants ten days before the event. The quota for SUP starters has already been exhausted, but the number of swimmers cannot be increased indefinitely for logistical and safety reasons (the upper limit is set at around 12,000 participants).
More than 220,000 athletes since 1979
The classic distance is 5.2 kilometers between Révfülöp on the north shore and Balatonboglár on the shallow side of Lake Balaton. If that’s too much for you, you can also try the half distance. Men are in the majority of those who have registered so far, at around 60%. Children and young people make up around a tenth of the field, and nine senior athletes are already over 80. Recreational athletes from around 1,000 localities have registered, and they will be joined by a colorful crowd of foreigners from 43 countries. Since the start of the unique event in the summer of 1979, more than 220,000 people have swum across Lake Balaton.
The organizers’ handicap
The participation fee, which has been rising year following year (15,500-18,500 forints or around 40-45 euros for the main distance), has been the subject of criticism. The organizers therefore pointed to inflation, which would have justified a price increase of a third in the last two years alone. Most of the almost 1,000 helpers are not volunteers, but are paid for their services. Just think of the provision of medical assistance and the fleet of escort ships (around 150 sailing boats and 7 rescue boats as well as water police units) that ensure that everyone reaches the other shore safely. Each participant receives a medal and a certificate as well as a number of services for a truly carefree experience, including the ferry ticket for the Balaton transfer.
And hardly anyone is aware of the handicap of the organizers, who often have to postpone the start date due to unfavorable weather. In some years even several times a week. Wind and rain make it impossible to hold this mass event. However, due to the current persistent heat wave, at least too low a water temperature is not a reason for exclusion this year.
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