The 10th anniversary edition of Oncoswim has delivered its most impactful results yet, both in fundraising and participation. Organized by Radikal Swim in partnership with Fundació Oncolliga Girona, the event raised €117,882 for triple-negative breast cancer research—the highest total in its decade-long history—while welcoming nearly 200 swimmers across 33 teams for the 30km open-water challenge between Estartit and Calella de Palafrugell.

This year’s edition wasn’t just a financial milestone; it marked the event’s largest-ever field, with participation up 15% from previous years. The funds raised will directly support research at IRB Barcelona, where scientists are focused on developing targeted therapies for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

The Challenge: 30km Through the Costa Brava

Unlike traditional swimming events that take place in pools or controlled lake environments, Oncoswim presents swimmers with the raw conditions of the Mediterranean Sea. The 30km route from Estartit to Calella de Palafrugell—located along Catalonia’s rugged Costa Brava coastline—demands both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Participants faced variable currents, temperatures ranging between 18-22°C and the psychological challenge of navigating open water without lane markers. Organizers reported that while conditions were generally favorable, several swimmers encountered brief periods of choppy seas near the 15km mark, requiring additional support boats to maintain safety protocols.

Note for swimmers considering future editions: The event typically takes place in June, when sea temperatures in this region average 20-22°C. Participants are advised to train with open-water experience and prepare for potential jellyfish encounters, which are common in these waters during summer months.

Why This Matters: The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Connection

While Oncoswim is first and foremost a sporting event, its fundraising mission targets one of the most challenging forms of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for approximately 10-15% of all breast cancer cases but is associated with:

• Poorer prognosis due to lack of targeted therapies
• Higher recurrence rates
• More aggressive tumor growth

The €117,882 raised will be allocated to:

• 60% to basic research at IRB Barcelona’s Cancer Research Program
• 30% to clinical trials coordination
• 10% to patient support programs

Verification Note: While the total fundraising amount was confirmed by Fundació Oncolliga Girona, the specific allocation percentages were provided by IRB Barcelona’s 2024 research funding guidelines.

Participant Stories: The Human Element

For many swimmers, Oncoswim represents more than just a physical challenge—it’s a personal mission. Among the participants was 34-year-old Barcelona-based triathlete Laura Martínez, who completed the distance in 7 hours 42 minutes:

“I’ve done Ironmans, but nothing compares to the mental game of open water. When you’re out there alone for hours, every wave feels like a test. But knowing every stroke brings us closer to better treatments for women fighting this disease… That’s what keeps you going.”

Martínez’s time was the fastest among female participants, though organizers emphasized that the event celebrates completion rather than speed. The overall winning team, Swim for Science, completed the route in 6 hours 58 minutes with an average pace of 2:59 per kilometer.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Oncoswim

With this successful 10th edition complete, organizers are already planning for 2025. Key developments to watch:

• International expansion: Discussions are underway to potentially host a sister event in the Balearic Islands
• Youth program: A junior category (12-18 years) may debut in 2025
• Technology integration: Plans to incorporate real-time tracking for safety monitoring

For those interested in participating or supporting future editions, registration typically opens in January. The event maintains a strict cap of 200 participants to ensure safety and maintain the event’s intimate, community-driven atmosphere.

How to Get Involved

While the 2024 event has concluded, there are multiple ways to support the cause:

1. Donate directly: Fundació Oncolliga Girona’s donation portal
2. Volunteer: Contact Radikal Swim for opportunities in event organization
3. Follow updates: @oncoswim on Instagram for announcements about 2025

Final Thoughts: More Than a Race

Oncoswim 2024 proved that open-water swimming events can achieve both athletic excellence and philanthropic impact. In an era where many sporting events struggle to maintain relevance beyond competition, Oncoswim’s ability to unite athletes, researchers, and the community around a shared cause demonstrates how sport can drive meaningful change.

The €117,882 raised represents more than just a financial milestone—it’s a testament to what happens when athletic challenge meets humanitarian purpose. For swimmers, it was a test of endurance; for researchers, it’s a critical step forward in the fight against triple-negative breast cancer; and for the community, it’s proof that even in sport, every stroke counts.