3,700 swimmers jump in Copenhagen's canals over 2 days

by Maja Lorentzen, communications consultant

With the highest number of participants since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SwimDenmark – The Danish Swimming Federation – is set to welcome more than 3,700 swimmers to Denmark's largest open water swimming event: TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim.

"We're thrilled that so many have chosen to sign up for TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim. It shows that we're well on our way back after the pandemic, and that Danes still have a passion for open water swimming," says Allan Nyhus, Director of SwimDenmark, adding:

"At the same time, we can see that around 20% of the participants are from abroad. We're proud that our event contributes to putting Denmark on the map for open water swimming."

Friday evening's swim festivities will kick off at 7:50 PM with an opening speech by Mia Nyegaard, Mayor of Culture and Leisure in Copenhagen.

Distance for beginners proves particularly popular

The full swim route around Christiansborg Palace spans 2,000 meters. Last year, SwimDenmark introduced two new distances to TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim - namely 1,000 meters and 10,000 meters.

Just like last year, the spots for the 10,000-meter distance were quickly claimed. However, as something new this year, places for the REMA 1,000-meter swim, as the distance is called, are also nearly sold out.

"We see this as an expression of more and more people becoming interested in open water swimming. 2,000 meters can be quite a challenge for new open water swimmers. That's why the REMA 1,000-meter swim is ideal if you want to take part in the event but don't feel ready for 2,000 meters," explains Allan Nyhus, Director of SwimDenmark.

Swimmers illuminate the canals in all the colors of the rainbow at twilight

Friday evening promises to be a truly special sight for spectators at TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim. Around 400 swimmers will embark on their swim journey in the twilight, each equipped with a luminescent swim buoy.

"Last year, it was a spectacular sight as participants swam through the canals with their luminescent swim buoys. We received excellent feedback from them afterward. It's a social swim with no emphasis on who finishes first. That's why many participants found it to be an enjoyable and unique experience," says Allan Nyhus, Director of SwimDenmark.

The concept, called TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim by night, will take place from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

A swimming relay – including for businesses

SwimDenmark and environmental company Krüger Veolia A/S have joined forces to create a Friday event that makes it easier for businesses to recognize the potential of participation. Teams of four can participate in the Krüger Relay, with each person swimming 500 meters.

"We really want to open businesses' eyes to the fact that employee groups can participate, and that everyone can join in - similar to how many companies participate in the DHL Relay. It's possible to head out collectively from the office on Friday and take part in the afternoon or evening," says Allan Nyhus, Director of SwimDenmark.

On Friday evening at the event site, there will be both food and live music in the form of a jazz trio. This way, groups of colleagues can gather after their participation and have a meal together.

About TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim

• Denmark's largest open water recreational swimming event.
• Has taken place almost every year since 2006.
• Distances of 1,000, 2,000, and 10,000 meters, as well as the Krüger Relay of 4x500 meters.
• More than 150 volunteers assist with tasks such as registration, timekeeping, logistics, event commentary, and much more.
• Mia Nyegaard, Mayor of Culture and Leisure in Copenhagen, delivers the opening speech on Friday at 7:50 PM.
• Pia Johansen, chairman of SwimDenmark, delivers the opening speech on Saturday at 9:50 AM.
• Ida Auken, former Minister of the Environment, delivers a speech and kicks off the Krüger Relay on Saturday at 1:15 PM.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Press and Communications Manager, Maja Lorentzen (M: 2056 7281 / E: mkl@svoem.dk)