#8 Switzerland for Léman hope 2025

Edition 8. A Pioneer crossing of Lac Leman for Leman Hope. Of 23 starters, 19 completed the full 33.3km across the lake.

What a debut!

Our very first Swiss adventure was limited to just 23 swimmers – a true pioneer event – and it’s already destined to become one of the great UltraSwim 33.3 classics. The highlight? THE Classic crossing from Lausanne (Switzerland) to Évian (France) – a monster 13km marathon swim on day 3, staged in honour of the 150th anniversary of Captain Webb’s legendary English Channel crossing in 1875.

Over four unforgettable days, 19 of the 23 pioneers completed the full 33.3km challenge, cementing their place in UltraSwim history.

Swimming with Purpose

#8Switzerland also marked another first: the integration of a charity partner. Together with swimmers and organisers, we raised more than €6,000 for Léman Hope, a local organisation helping young cancer survivors rebuild confidence through 5-day sailing adventures. A meaningful connection, given that Léman Hope was inspired by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust – also founded by our own UltraSwim 33.3 creator, Mark Turner.

The Course: From Châteaux to Country-Country

• Day 1: Under the shadow of the Alps, swimmers launched from Villeneuve with a testing swell and chop. Passing beneath the walls of Château de Chillon, they finished the stage at the feet of the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux. After a paddle-steamer transfer, the second leg pushed past UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, ending in Cully. Beautiful – but tougher than expected.
• Day 2: Perfect lake conditions. A 6km stretch from Cully to Pully Plage, finishing at its spectacular open-air 50m pool. All thoughts were already drifting to the main event…
• Day 3: The Classic Lausanne–Évian crossing. Starting at sunrise in Ouchy, swimmers battled cross-currents, but on an otherwise mirror like lake, over 13km to France. It was the longest swim ever for many – and the proudest. Vincent Gremeaux (CHE) and Marco Fratini (ITA) shared the win having worked together the whole way across, while 5-time UltraSwimmer Becky Frankell was first woman to touch Évian’s pool deck. Every finisher had their own triumph, none more so than Ibrahim Slaoui, who completed after 8 hours – redemption following a near-miss on the English Channel just a few weeks ago.
• Day 4: A storm threatened, but held off long enough. Starting from Ouchy once more, swimmers enjoyed mirror-flat water before the skies opened – with prize-giving hosted in the historic home of General Guisan, Switzerland’s WWII Army commander. A finish worthy of legends.

Why Join Us in 2026?

The Pioneer edition proved it: Switzerland is built for UltraSwim 33.3. From castles and vineyards to alpine backdrops and a cross-border marathon, this event blends natural beauty, endurance, and history like no other.

Interrogate the Results in detail HERE

Overall Winner Female: Becky Frankel UK 11h 33m 34s

Overall Winner Male: Vincent Gremeaux FR 08hr 34m 10s

From the second swim on, the event was fully tracked live - check out the replays here

‍

‍

https://results.racegorilla.com/competition/4066/sum-results

‍