In 2012, American swimmer Mark Spitz, nine-time Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in seven events, was a guest, and performed shows.

Rising popularity of the race, especially in Russia and Ukraine, led to a huge rush for slots, with whole international quota being filled in less than an hour after the start of registration in January.

[7] The route starts at the Pier of Kanlıca, north of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, in the Asian part of Istanbul, runs southwards, and finishes at Cemil Topuzlu Park in Kuruçeşme, north of the Bosphorus Bridge, in the European part of the city.

Those who miss the finish and are carried by the current below the Bosphorus bridge are disqualified and must enter lifeguards’ boats.

Days before the race, introductory boat tours along the route are offered to the contestants, with instruction in Turkish, English and Russian.