KAUST and the Saudi Swimming Federation are pleased to announce the Open Water Championship, an elite swimming race event to be held in the KAUST Harbor. Over 150 swimmers from around the Kingdom will compete, including four members of the KAUST community who qualified for the race.

This elite swimming race, supported by the Saudi Ministry of Sport, will be held on Saturday, October 16 in the KAUST Harbor. Spectators are welcome to attend at 2:30 to watch the race from the harbor waterfront walk, near the “I Love KAUST” sign.

Pool and Beach Closure – October 16

Due to hosting this event, the facilities as South Beach and the Harbor Sports Club swimming pools will be closed for the day. All other facilities at The Harbor Sports Club and the Island Recreation Club pools will remain open.

More about the event

Three age groups will compete in the specially designed course in the Red Sea water of the KAUST Harbor. The race categories include:

• 13-14 years old 2000m (2 laps)
• 15-17 years old 3000m (3 laps)
• 18 years old and above 4000m (4laps)
  

All race participants will welcome spectator support and motivation during this exciting event. Music, food vendors, and more will be on hand for spectators so come cheer the competitors on!

 Race day schedule

• Swimmers registration and numbering at 1:45 P.M.
• Followed by the warm-up
• The final meeting with the swimmers and the referees at 2:30 P.M.
• The first swim race starts at 3:00 P.M.

For more information, please contact us at recreation@kaust.edu.sa

Wishing all spectators an exciting race and all participants the best of luck, steady waves, and a great swim race.