Messenger5th Edition GREAT DESCENT 2026
Event summary
The 5th Edition of the Grande Descida de Castelo Bode is a multi-stage open water swimming competition held on June 5-7, 2026, in Portugal. The event consists of six stages covering a total distance of approximately 50 km along the Castelo de Bode reservoir.
Participants can compete in one or multiple stages, or as part of a relay team of two swimmers. The race is open to swimmers aged 14 and older who hold a license from the Portuguese Swimming Federation or equivalent recognized by FINA. Each stage takes place at different river beach locations across the municipalities of Figueiró dos Vinhos, Vila de Rei, Ferreira do Zêzere, and Abrantes.
The event offers a competitive atmosphere with individual and relay classifications, monetary prizes for top finishers in each stage and overall, and commemorative awards for all participants. Support boats accompany swimmers for safety, and the race embraces the scenic natural water landscapes of the Castelo de Bode reservoir.
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Plan itInformation
Start/finish locations:
• 1st Stage: Parque de Campismo do Foz do Alge – Figueiró dos Vinhos
• 2nd Stage: Praia Fluvial de Dornes – Ferreira do Zêzere
• 3rd Stage: Isna Velha – Vila de Rei
• 4th Stage: Praia Fluvial Zaboeira – Vila de Rei
• 5th Stage: Praia Fluvial Bairrada – Ferreira do Zêzere
• 6th Stage: Praia Fluvial de Fontes – Aldeia do Mato
Start times per category/distance:
• 1st Stage (9.0 km): 09:00
• 2nd Stage (10.0 km): 15:30
• 3rd Stage (4.5 km): 08:30
• 4th Stage (7.5 km): 11:00
• 5th Stage (7.0 km): 16:10
• 6th Stage (11.0 km): 10:00
Age categories/divisions: Absolute category for all swimmers aged 14 and above
Registration deadline: May 31, 2026 (late registrations possible until day of event)
Surface types: Open water swimming in Castelo de Bode reservoir
Course format: Six stages over three days, total distance approximately 50 km
Race routes:
• 1st Stage: Foz de Alge to Praia Fluvial de Dornes (9.0 km)
• 2nd Stage: Praia Fluvial de Dornes to Isna Velha (10.0 km)
• 3rd Stage: Isna Velha to Praia Fluvial Zaboeira (4.5 km)
• 4th Stage: Praia Fluvial Zaboeira to Praia Fluvial Bairrada (7.5 km)
• 5th Stage: Praia Fluvial Bairrada to Praia Fluvial de Fontes (7.0 km)
• 6th Stage: Praia Fluvial de Fontes to Aldeia do Mato (11.0 km)
Parking and shuttle details: Transport available for swimmers and their kayak/boat escorts between start and finish points
Prizes: Monetary prizes for top 3 finishers per stage and overall; trophies for top 6 overall; medals for top 5 per stage; trophies for top 3 relay teams; participation souvenirs for all
Location
get directionsRaces
Open Water Full Circuit Registration – Grande Descida
Open Water Relay Teams | Full Circuit Registration – Grande Descida
Open Water Foz de Alge (Figueiró dos Vinhos) – Dornes River Beach (8.5 km)
Open Water Isna Velha (Vila de Rei) – Zaboeira River Beach (4.5 km)
Open Water Dornes River Beach – Isna Velha "Vila de Rei" (9.5 km)
Open Water Zaboeira River Beach – Bairrada River Beach (7.0 km)
Open Water Bairrada River Beach – Fontes River Beach (6.5 km)
Open Water Fontes River Beach – Aldeia do Mato (11.0 km)
Benefits
🛟 Safety support: swimmers must be accompanied by a kayak or boat, preferably with an escort
🏆 Monetary prizes awarded to top finishers per stage and overall
🏅 Medals and trophies for top finishers and relay teams
🚌 Transport available for swimmers and their escorts between stages
🎽 Participation souvenir for all athletes
