Dragon's Challenge - Open Water Swimming

A challenge in the waters of Lake Orta

The Dragon's Challenge is an open water swimming event held in Gozzano, a town in the Province of Novara overlooking the southern shore of Lake Orta, in the heart of the Piedmontese lake district. The event headquarters is the Lido di Gozzano, at Via alla Colonia 17, a well-equipped beach from which swimmers dive into the clear waters of the Cusio to tackle their course.

Established in 2024 and reaching its third edition in 2026, the event is organized by Senza Limiti A.S.D., an association that has made inclusion its mission. This is no ordinary race: all registration proceeds are donated to support sports for people with disabilities, giving the day a charitable value that goes far beyond the stopwatch.

Distances for everyone

The Dragon's Challenge format is designed to welcome swimmers of all levels, from the beginner tackling their first crossing to the competitive athlete chasing personal bests:

• 400 meters — the shortest distance, ideal for those new to open water swimming
• 1000 meters — the intermediate course, the most popular
• 2000 meters — the long distance for more trained swimmers
• Combo 1000 + 2000 meters — the double challenge for those who really want to test themselves

The start is marked by the traditional dive from the Lido, in a natural setting of rare beauty between the lush green shores of the Cusio and the evocative silhouette of the Isola di San Giulio in the background.

Stage of the Circuito Nobile dei Laghi

Every year, the Dragon's Challenge kicks off the Circuito Nobile dei Laghi, a calendar of swimming crossings that spans the lakes of Northern Italy (Orta, Como, Lugano, Mergozzo, Viverone, Iseo, and others) between May and October. Those who complete at least eleven of the seventeen stages earn the title of "Nobile dei Laghi": for open water enthusiasts, being at the start in Gozzano means kicking off a long season of challenges across the Piedmontese and Lombard lakes.

More than a race: a charitable celebration

The day does not end in the water. The race pack includes a limited-edition silicone cap, neck warmer, hand fan, meal voucher, and drink voucher, while at the end of the races, participants gather for the Sangria party by the lake. A free shuttle service connects the parking lot to the Lido, and wetsuit rentals are available for those who need them. An event that blends sport, landscape, and conviviality, attracting swimmers from all over Northern Italy to Gozzano every spring.