Oceanman Returns to Egypt’s El Gouna This September

Oceanman El Gouna returns to the Red Sea on September 18th and 19th, 2026, bringing international open water swimming back to the El Gouna Sailing Club for another edition of the globally recognised series. Organised by Stamina Sports and Fitness, the two-day event doubles as a qualification pathway to world championship races for competitive swimmers. El Gouna's calm, clear waters and compact layout make it a practical venue — all races start and finish at the same central point, keeping the event easy to follow for spectators on shore. “Egypt is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, and bringing Oceanman here represents much more than a sporting event,” said OCEANMAN CEO Fermin Egido Alonso. “It is an opportunity to connect international athletes with the culture, hospitality, and beauty of Egypt, while positioning the country as a premium destination for sports tourism and open water swimming.” Day one of Oceanman covers the shorter races, kids' events, and the relay. Day two is reserved for the 10 km and 5 km events, closing with an awards ceremony. “Oceanman El Gouna has become more than just a race, it's a platform that showcases Egypt's ability to host world-class international sporting events,” Hassan Khalifa, Race Director and CEO of Stamina Sports and Fitness said. “Our vision is to create an experience where athletes feel challenged, supported, and inspired, while also discovering the beauty of Egypt. This year, we're raising the bar even higher in terms of organisation, safety, and overall experience." Unlike most competitive swimming events, Oceanman runs six race formats across the two days, catering to a wide range of ages and abilities. The 500m Oceankids and 2 km Sprint sit at one end; the 5 km Half Oceanman and 10 km main event at the other. A 2 km Oceanfins category and a 3 x 500m team relay round out the programme, making the field as broad as the distances.