Kocaeli hosts National Open Water Swimming Races in İzmit Gulf

The National Open Water Swimming Races, hosted by the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, took place in the İzmit Gulf. A total of 471 athletes, representing 91 clubs and independent swimmers from 14 different provinces, participated in the event.

The race followed a 2,622-meter course starting from the Değirmendere coast in Gölcük and ending at the Derince coast. Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Büyükakın attended the event and announced plans to elevate the competition to an international level. He stated that efforts will be made to have the race included in the International Swimming Federation's official calendar.

Mayor Büyükakın also highlighted the importance of the city's relationship with the sea, noting ongoing seabed cleaning efforts and the goal of revitalizing water sports in the region. Local leaders from Gölcük and Derince expressed support for the expansion of maritime sports and the importance of clean waters for such activities.