TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland is adding a new dimension to the excitement in the seas. The TEKNOFEST 2026 Blue Homeland Open Water Swimming Races will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Gölcük district of Kocaeli. Hundreds of athletes will compete in the challenging 1,500-meter course, starting from Değirmendere Pier and ending at the Naval Boathouse.

Breathtaking Competition on the 1,500-Meter Course

On race day, athletes gather at the Naval Command Sailing and Water Sports Facilities in the morning to complete the numbering and technical preparation processes. Afterwards, they are transported to Gölcük Değirmendere Pier, the starting point of the race, by buses provided by the organizers.

Following the final briefing session, the competition starts at 10:30 for male athletes and at 10:45 for female athletes. In the 1,500-meter open water course, where fierce competition will take place, swimmers will showcase their best performance to reach the Naval Boathouse.

Participation Conditions and Application Dates

The competition is open to licensed male and female athletes aged 13 and over. The requirements for athletes to participate in the event are as follows:

• Valid License: A valid license for 2025-2026 issued by the Turkish Swimming Federation, Turkish Triathlon Federation, or Turkish Modern Pentathlon Federation is required.

• Individual Participation: Athletes with individual licenses can also participate in the competition. Licenses from other federations are not accepted.

• Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 17:00 via the official website (www.teknofest.org). The audit lists will be announced to the public on Friday, August 21, 2026.

The Award Ceremony Will Be Held at the Naval Command

After completing the 1,500-meter course, the athletes experience the excitement of the award ceremony. The award ceremony and ceremony for the winning swimmers will be held at 13:30 at the Naval Boathouse, the finish point of the race.

The prizes to be given to the athletes who place in the competition have been determined as follows:

• First Prize: Smart Watch

• Second Prize: Smart Bracelet

• Third Prize: Waterproof Headphones

TEKNOFEST 2026 Blue Homeland Open Water Swimming Races aim to offer open water swimmers an unforgettable experience while bringing together the unifying power of technology and sports with the atmosphere of the Blue Homeland.