What began as a local race has evolved into a national celebration of endurance, community and ocean respect.
Llafranc, October 2025. The Costa Brava once again became the epicenter of open-water swimming with the sixteenth edition of the Radikal ocean52, held between Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. More than 2,000 swimmers, including 200 international participants from 42 countries, took part in a weekend that combined competition, environmental awareness and family activities devoted to ocean conservation.
The event featured multiple races adapted to sea conditions: the 7-kilometer main course from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc, a 3.5-kilometer route from Cap de Sant Sebastià and a 2-kilometer coastal circuit following the scenic camí de ronda. In addition, there were relay events and youth categories that transformed the beaches into a stage for both elite and amateur swimmers.
The 7-kilometer flagship race crowned Àlex Castejón of Club Natació Sabadell as the men’s champion with a time of 1:15:14, followed by Raúl Santiago with 1:16:10 and Pablo Nevado with 1:19:08. In the women’s category, Clàudia Giralt from Club Natació L’Hospitalet won with 1:23:34, ahead of Júlia Coll with 1:26:42 and Alba Maestro with 1:27:49. In the 3.5-kilometer race, Diego Mira took first place in the men’s division with 0:51:36, while Abril Conesa led the women’s with 1:03:59.
Spectators filled the promenade and beach of Llafranc, following the competitions on a giant screen installed near the finish line. The broadcast featured commentary from Olympic swimmer Jèssica Vall, national champion Guillem Pujol and Paralympic medalist Xavi Torres, adding prestige to an event already recognized as the reference point for open-water swimming in Spain.
Beyond sport, Radikal ocean52 is a statement of values. Organized by Radikal Swim in partnership with ocean52 under the slogan “Together for the Ocean,” the event integrates environmental education into every phase of competition. Activities such as EcoSwimming, a collective swim to collect marine waste, and workshops on sustainable habits encouraged participants to adopt daily practices that protect marine ecosystems.
All event materials were made from 100 percent recyclable components, and organizers estimate that more than 7,000 single-use plastic bottles were eliminated thanks to the initiative. This year also introduced a new program, a marine cleanup using ONA Safe and Clean sustainable technology, financed by donations from previous participants.
With more than 15,500 swimmers participating across its sixteen editions, Radikal ocean52 has become not just a race but a symbol of coexistence between sport and sustainability. Its inclusive activities, family-friendly programming and focus on ocean stewardship have transformed it into a festival where competition meets conscience.
Under the bright Catalan sun, the event closed with applause, laughter and the sound of waves breaking against a community united by the same goal: to swim, to protect and to keep the sea alive for generations to come.
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