Eagerly anticipated open water event returns to Varadero
The Gran Retto will take place between September 13 and 14, and approximately 600 competitors are expected to participate
Posted by Sol de Cuba, 22/08/2025
For the fourth consecutive year, the International Group of Tour Operators and Travel Agencies, Havanatur S.A., will bring the Open Water competition, promoted by the Mexican company Gran Retto, to Varadero. The event will be held at the Barceló-Solymar-Arenas Blancas hotel complex on the Hicacos Peninsula.
According to Ediunys Carrazana Garcés, marketing director of Cubadeportes, speaking in a working meeting, the event will take place between September 13 and 14. Approximately 600 competitors are expected to participate.
The competitions will include, as usual, distances of 750 and 1,500 meters, as well as three, five, and ten kilometers, and each category will be divided by age and gender. The organizers guarantee first aid and medical assistance for the safety of the competitors.
Since 2022, the first edition in international waters, the number of participants has increased each year. This time, swimmers from Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Germany, and Cuba will participate.
In 2025, the event will coincide with the Mexican National Holidays.
Race bibs and competitor kits are scheduled for distribution early on September 12, as well as last-minute registrations for those interested in participating at the Arenas Blancas hotel. The organizers’ press conference will be held that same afternoon.
On the 13th, in addition to the competitions and award ceremonies for the 750-meter, 1,500-meter, and 3-kilometer distances, a popular recreational festival will be held in the afternoon, and the eagerly awaited “Beer Mile” race will take place. The morning of the 14th is reserved for the more grueling distances, award ceremonies, and the closing ceremony.
According to the Gran Retro organizers, swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is incredible, offering an incentive to bring together competitors from various nations, as in previous editions.
This event is organized under the auspices of the Cuban Ministry of Tourism, Cubadeportes, and the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER).
