The FINA UltraMarathon Swim Series 2018, formerly called the FINA Open Water Grand Prix, kicks-off this weekend in Coronda Santa Fe, Argentina. The men's and women's elite 57km race will take place on Sunday February 4, in the river El Rio.

26 long distance swimmers, 15 men and 11 women, are set to take the departure on Sunday.

Experienced athletes such as Argentina's Damian Blaum, Guillermo Bertola and Eugenij Pop Acev of Macedonia are among the favourites, while Barbara Pozzobon and Alice Franco of Italy are well-known for their excellent performances in the circuit in the recent years. Argentina's Cecilia Biagioli and Pilar Geijo are also taking the plunge and will be supported by the local crowd.

After Coronda Santa Fe, the UltraMarathon will then stop in Lac St Jean in Canada on July 28.