Capri-Naples Gulf Marathon
The historic international long-distance swimming crossing of the Gulf of Naples
About Capri-Naples
A long-distance swimming legend
The Capri-Naples Gulf Marathon is Italy's most famous and oldest open-water swimming crossing. Covering a 36-kilometer course, athletes depart from Marina Grande on the island of Capri and cross the entire Gulf of Naples to reach the waterfront of the Campania capital, usually arriving in the waters of Molosiglio in front of the Circolo Canottieri Napoli. It is one of the toughest and most fascinating events on the world long-distance swimming calendar, attracting champions from every continent for over seventy years.
Seventy years of history
Its origins date back to 1949, when swimmers Aldo Fioravanti and Cesare Alfieri completed the journey for the first time in about twelve hours. The first official edition took place on August 1, 1954. Until 1992, the Capri-Naples was effectively the only world championship for long-distance swimming; after a hiatus, the event returned to the calendar and is now part of the prestigious UltraMarathon Swim Series. The absolute record belongs to Italian swimmer Arianna Bridi, who finished in 6h04'26" in 2020, beating the men's time as well.
The race and open trials
The program includes open qualifying trials, where Italian and international swimmers attempt to earn a spot for the main crossing by meeting time limits (under 7 hours and 30 minutes for men, under 7 hours and 45 minutes for women). The international race itself, valid for the Trofeo Vecchio Amaro del Capo, brings together the world's best specialists who compete along the 36 kilometers amidst currents, jellyfish, and the challenges of the open sea.
Capri, Naples, and Campania
The event symbolically unites two iconic locations in Campania: the island of Capri, in the province of Naples, and the Neapolitan capital. The departure from Marina Grande and the arrival on the city waterfront make the crossing a major sporting and popular event, followed by support boats and a large crowd that welcomes the swimmers at the finish line. The awards ceremony traditionally takes place at the Circolo Canottieri Napoli.
- Course: 36 km from Marina Grande (Capri) to the Naples waterfront
- Established in 1954, considered for decades the only world long-distance championship
- Event part of the UltraMarathon Swim Series
- Participants from dozens of nations and multiple continents
Capri-Naples — edition 2026
Capri-Naples 2026
The 61st edition of the historic Capri-Naples Gulf Marathon will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026. As per tradition, athletes will tackle the 36 kilometers in the open sea from the port of Marina Grande, on the island of Capri, to the Naples waterfront, arriving in the waters of Molosiglio. The race is valid for the Trofeo Vecchio Amaro del Capo and is part of the UltraMarathon Swim Series.
The 2026 season was preceded by open qualifying trials, which attracted swimmers from multiple continents. The final trial, held on July 3, 2026, saw 43 athletes representing ten nations at the start. To qualify for the main crossing, men must finish under 7 hours and 30 minutes, and women under 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Programme Capri-Naples 2026
Highlights Capri-Naples 2026
Prices Capri-Naples 2026
Practical information — Capri-Naples
How to watch
The start is at Marina Grande, the main port of the island of Capri, reachable by hydrofoils and ferries from Naples (Molo Beverello, Calata Porta di Massa) and Sorrento. The arrival can be followed along the Naples waterfront, in the area of Molosiglio and the Circolo Canottieri Napoli, which is easily accessible on foot from the city center.
Information
The event is free for the public. For registration, regulations, and the detailed program of the open trials and the main race, please refer to the official event website and the organizing body Eventualmente Eventi & Comunicazione.
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Where does it take place — Capri-Naples
Da Marina Grande (Capri) al lungomare di Napoli
Marina Grande, 80073 Capri