Danube ultra‑swim world‑record attempt underway

In late July 2026, 23‑year‑old German extreme athlete Marinus Obermair announced a plan to swim 350 km down the Danube from Passau, Germany, to Bratislava, Slovakia, within 72 hours and set a new world record. The effort, staged as the yfood River Race 350, is backed by nutrition brand yfood and celebrity patrons Sophia Thomalla, Joey Kelly and Luca Hänni, with live coverage from a houseboat.

Obermair’s team detailed a support boat crew that includes a physiotherapist and live‑stream coaches, plus supplies of blankets, food and medical aid. He will wear a neoprene suit to mitigate cold and has spent months training for endurance, cold tolerance, sleep deprivation and mental conditioning to cope with the extreme fatigue and hypothermia risk of three days of continuous swimming.

On 26 July 2026, Obermair launched the swim from Passau at 17:40, beginning the 350‑km stretch under heat‑wave conditions, low water flow, debris and night darkness. The attempt is livestreamed on yfood.com, YouTube and TikTok, with commentary by Jan Mihm. Creators and personalities such as Luca Hänni, DJ Ötzi and Joey Kelly serve as “kilometre sponsors,” sending encouragement throughout the route.

Proceeds from the event are pledged to the Worldchanger Foundation to fund mental‑health services for children and adolescents.