In the warmest sea temperatures yet seen on this edition, 114 participants, of which 95% were first-time UltraSwim33.3’ers, from 23 nationalities, took on the iconic English Challenge distance. The 33.3km was spread over a four-day multistage point to point course around the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and along the coast of the Lustica peninsula in Montenegro. Based at the Lazure Hotel and Marina in Herceg Novi the multi-day swim event hosted a diverse group of swimmers with every possible experience level, age, and background. Women represented 55% of the field, an unusual and inspiring statistic for an ultra-endurance sports event.

The participants experienced four days of spectacular sightseeing above and below the water. Herceg Novi, Mamula Island, Lustica Bay, Rose and the Gospa od milosti Monastery all provided unique backdrops for the event. These stunning views created welcome relief for the swimmers while pushing themselves on to the total distance immortalised by Captain Webb’s 1875 first traverse of the English Channel - and summed up by his famous quote “Nothing Great is Easy”.

The first UltraSwim 33.3 test event ever was four years ago in Montenegro, This was the fourth edition and once again, a great success. The swimmers swam five different stages spread over four days along the coast south of, and within the Bay of Kotor – with dramatic coastline, old submarine pens, monasteries and historical sites everywhere. The water is full of life and was 22-23C. Swimmers took on the challenge in two categories: “skins” or wetsuit – where any neoprene or buoyancy material would put you into the wetsuit category.

During the long weekend the weather challenged the event organisers, but in the end the sun put smiles on everyone’s faces.

The camaraderie and motivation of the participants made for a huge success with almost everyone completing this long, iconic 33.3km distance swim, celebrating 150 since Captain Webb showed what is possible in open water swimming.

For most participants the primary goal and achievement is to complete the challenge and return home as an UltraSwim 33.3 finisher - to earn the coveted UltraSwim 33.3 Finisher droplet. But for some in the front it is a fast and tight race, where the top swimmers are pushing each other to great speeds over these long distances.

The event in Montenegro marked the end of the 2025 season and a whirlwind six weeks where three events were delivered back to back; Switzerland, Greece and Montenegro.

UltraSwim 33.3 Montenegro 2025 in Short

A minimum of 33.3 km across 4 days and 5 stages
Fourth edition
114 participants - 95% first timers
23 nationalities
55 percent women
The youngest participant: 24 years old
Oldest participant: 73 years old
Average age: 50 years
• Winners skins category (no wetsuit)
Women: Anna Sofia Kalandadze GE 07:59:28 – also the winner overall and the youngest swimmer at the event (24 yrs old)
Men: Michael Dieckmann GER 08:18:08
• Winners wetsuit category
Women: Amica Hallendorff SA 08:29:36
Men: Nils Young UK 08:15:01

Two Special Awards went to Rajat and Bianca, who whilst didn’t get their Finisher droplets, if we’d had more time on the water, would have certainly finished the distances with their incredible mental resilience!

The RED robe prizes for the last, but complete FINISHERs, went to Frans Jonker (male) and Jacqueline Murray (female).

The most improved swimmer award, climbing 43 places during the event, went to Cape Town’s Chad Noble.

Final event swim distances after course modifications -

o Day 1: 6,7 km
o Day 2: Two swims – 7,9 km + 2,7 km
o Day 3: Marathon day – 11 km
o Day 4: 5 km

• There was also an 11.1 km DISCOVERY option, and a 22.2 km BUILD option

DAILY HIGHLIGHT VIDEO PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0BHxBEhegrQX6XsH70MriIxrxKYOCFmq&si=wo-W5qZ73J04Hqux

FIND PHOTOS OF YOURSELF (via HONCHO facial scan)

https://public.thehoncho.app/68d638b599cceee7ace81219

ALL THE PHOTOS OF YOU FROM OUR MEDIA TEAM on google drive

Day 1 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fdMrxe0nz0DkYpX0OxM0CBJUoe2pjC35?usp=sharing

Day 2 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yD37XSLEwshy5jMimMWbNKdmTDs1r0oC?usp=sharing

Day 3 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vnBXbHA9kvauux2vFWwyTVVi5u8ng2_b?usp=sharing