From Captain Webb in 1875 to today, the story of the 33.3km crossing that started it all.
English Channel swimming began with Captain Matthew Webb in 1875, who crossed in almost 22 hours doing breaststroke. Trudy Ederle became the first woman in 1926. Their 33.3km distance became the benchmark for open water endurance, and UltraSwim 33.3 carries it into warm water today.
UltraSwim 33.3 is an Epic Adventure Swim Race™ covering 33.3km, the historic English Channel distance, split across five to seven point to point open water swims (we hate laps) over four days in warmer water locations (a half Channel 17km option exists). So far held in Croatia, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, Montenegro and the Caribbean, based at luxury spa hotels, with world class safety cover, premium support, a complete preparation programme and a diverse community that ranges from 14 to 74 years old, usually more women than men. From competitive Masters swimmers, triathletes and swimrunners to leisure and wild swimmers simply aiming to complete the distance. From a required pace of just 2km/h, any determined swimmer can do it. Come in a group or alone, everyone leaves with new friends for life. Award winning, all inclusive packages start from €1,575 CHECK (€750 for our 2 day Compact format)
Captain Matthew Webb became the first to swim the English Channel in 1875, taking almost 22 hours doing breaststroke. Trudy Ederle became the first woman in 1926. Their 33.3km distance became the benchmark for open water endurance, and UltraSwim 33.3 carries it forward.
A century and a half after Webb, the 33.3km crossing still defines open water achievement. The story runs from those first pioneers through decades of record breaking swims to a modern era where UltraSwim 33.3 lets swimmers cover the same distance in warm water across four days.
The iconic English Channel distance spread over 5 - 7 swims. Choose the full 33.3 CLASSIC, or the 33.3 / 2 BUILD 'Half Channel' which caps each swim at 5km. Life-changing for many.
Swiss precision event organisation. Boat and kayak safety cover provided on every swim. Daily briefings on conditions, route and pace. Experienced and dedicated team
Whether you come on your own or with a club, you will find your tribe, and make new lifelong bonds over 4 days of highs and lows as you reach for that 33.3 Finisher droplet
All iconic, each with their own challenges and beauty - Croatia, Switzerland, Greece, Montenegro, Spain and the Caribbean. From May to December and designed to fit your season and time constraints.
Explore the preparation programme, coaching and swim camps that get you to the start line ready.
Explore trainingA century and a half after Webb, the 33.3km distance still defines open water achievement. UltraSwim 33.3 lets you swim it in warm water across four days.
The heritage of Channel swimming and how UltraSwim 33.3 continues it.
Captain Matthew Webb, in 1875, taking almost 22 hours doing breaststroke. He is the pioneer of Channel swimming.
Trudy Ederle, in 1926. Her crossing was a landmark moment in the history of the sport.
About 33.3km at the shortest crossing, between Dover and Cap Gris Nez. This is the distance UltraSwim 33.3 is built around.
Yes. UltraSwim 33.3 covers the same 33.3km in warm water, across four days, with full support.