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SWIMMING Ain Sokhna

THE OPEN WATER ODYSSEY

  • Sep 4, 2026
  • Horizon El Wadi

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Open Water Odyssey is a one-day open-water swimming event organized by Aquaman Open Water Swimming in partnership with UK Swim Station. It takes place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Horizon El Wadi in Ain Sokhna, Egypt, on the Red Sea coast. You can test yourself in the sea before the main Aquaman race at the end of October.

There are three distances of 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km, offering options for both newer open-water swimmers and experienced marathon swimmers. After the swim, the event continues as a full beach day, and family and friends are welcome to join.

Distance options

  • 2KM

    2KM

    Race start
    4 Sep, 9:00

  • 5KM

    5KM

    Race start
    4 Sep, 8:30

  • 10KM

    10KM

    Race start
    4 Sep, 8:00

Location and arrival

Horizon El Wadi is a beach resort in Ain Sokhna on the Gulf of Suez side of the Red Sea. Ain Sokhna is about a two-hour drive from Cairo, making it an easy day trip for swimmers based in the city. Plan to arrive well before your start time to check in, warm up, and review the course without rushing. The first race starts at 8:00 am.

Registration and what is included

Each entry includes a race number, a land warm-up with Athletic Mission before the swims, and then beach activities, lunch, and surprises and giveaways from the organizer after the racing ends.

What to bring

You will need your usual swim race kit, and sun protection matters at a beach event in September. A useful checklist:

  • Swimsuit, goggles, and a spare pair of goggles
  • Bright swim cap
  • Tow float, if you use one
  • Sunscreen (apply before the start)
  • Towel and dry clothes
  • Water bottle and tested snacks for before and after your race
  • Beach wear for the afternoon

Preparing for your swim

Early September in Ain Sokhna is hot, with strong sun and warm seawater. Train in similar conditions when possible, drink regularly in the days before the event, and stay in the shade between your race and the afternoon activities.

Use this race as a rehearsal for your main Aquaman race in October. Test your full race routine, from breakfast timing to warm-up to pacing. Warm water increases your effort and sweat loss, so start slightly more conservatively than in cool water and plan your drinking for the day accordingly. For the 10 km, plan your feeding by time rather than by feel, and test every product in training first. Salt water increases chafing, so apply anti-chafing balm to your neck, underarms, and swimsuit edges before the start.

LOCATION & VENUE

Venue
Horizon El Wadi
Address
Ain Sokhna, Egypt
Phone
+201220549497
Directions
Open in Google Maps
Horizon El Wadi

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

Other events by Aquaman Egypt

READY TO RACE?

Register for The Open Water Odyssey or add it to your calendar so you don't miss it.

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