Eighty-eight swimmers (including 37 women) from 17 countries confirmed their participation in the first race of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup 2008, which will take place in Santos (BRA) on January 26. The Brazilian delegation will naturally be the most numerous, with a total of 29 athletes. The remaining nations present in Brazil are: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Egypt, France, Germany, Netherlands, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain and United States.

The race in Santos opens the eight-meet circuit that will touch the four continents until October 4, 2008, which marks the occasion of the last leg of the competition in Cancun (MEX).

The 2008 edition of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup assumes a special importance, as for the first time, this event will be included in the Olympic Games, in Beijing (CHN). Thus, higher participation from the swimmers and increasing interest from media, spectators and sponsors will certainly be evident during these next months. Moreover, and also a first, this year’s World Cup is associated with a FINA sponsor - the world’s leading open water swim-skin and wetsuit company blueseventy.

Calendar

January 26, 2008          Race No 1 in Santos (BRA)
March 15, 2008            Race No 2 in Dubai (UAE)
June 28, 2008              Race No 3 in Setubal (POR)
July 23, 2008               Race No 4 in Lac St. Jean, Roberval (CAN)
September 7, 2008      Race No 5 in Hong Kong (HKG)
September 13, 2008     Race No 6 in Singapore (SIN)
September 21, 2008     Race No 7 in Shantou (CHN)
October 4, 2008           Race No 8 in Cancun (MEX)