Continuing its long-standing tradition, the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.) supported the organisation of one of the most popular sporting events in Bulgaria’s maritime capital – the International Swimming Marathon Galata – Varna. The 86th edition of the competition brought together 239 participants, who competed in one of the country’s most prestigious open-water swimming events.
The men’s race was won by Kaloyan Dragnev from Plovdiv, who completed the course in 57:13 min, while the women’s title was claimed by Petra Zahariava from Sandanski, with a winning time of 1:00:56 hrs. BPI Co. presented trophies to both champions and provided special prizes for the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories.
This year’s edition once again attracted strong international interest, welcoming swimmers not only from Bulgaria but also from the United Kingdom, the United States, Romania, Turkey, the Philippines, Russia and Ukraine, and thus further reinforcing the marathon’s international reputation. As every year, the race started at Cape Galata and finished at the Second Breakwater on Varna’s Central Beach. Although the official course distance is 4 400 metres, participants actually swim nearly 5 kilometres due to the specific conditions of open-water swimming.
The safety of the competitors throughout the race was ensured by crews aboard rowing boats and patrol vessels of the Bulgarian Navy. The event was organised by the Black Sea Swimming Club, the Varna Municipality, and the Bulgarian Navy.
By supporting the event, BPI Co. continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to initiatives that promote an active lifestyle and preserve Bulgaria’s maritime traditions.
