Race in the Dakar-Gorée Crossing in Senegal
Image by Ash Narod of participants of the Darker-Goree Crossing in 2023
“It's a challenge, an emotion, a shared pride. Every dive, every movement writes a story.”
The annual open water swimming race, Dakar-Gorée Crossing, began in 1985 by a group of young swimmers. The race honours the enslaved Africans who attempted to swim to freedom during the transatlantic slave trade between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Today, the event is split into two categories: Race A–for professional swimmers covering a distance of 5200m and Race B–for amateur swimmers, aged 11-65, covering a distance of 4500m. If you’re confident swimming in open water and ready for a life-changing challenge, go for the Dakar-Gorée Crossing, finishing at the historic UNESCO World Heritage site!
The event
Dakar-Gorée Crossing
Date
The last Sunday in September, 2026
Location
From Voile d'Or beach to Gorée, a small island (Senegal)
Registration fee
Around £7 + a medical certificate
