MediaCityUK Swim Challenge 2026

The MediaCityUK Swim Challenge is an open-water endurance swim in Dock 9 at Salford Quays, offering race distances of 1.5km, 5km, 10km, and 15km. It focuses on marathon swimming, distinct from pool racing, and participants may use wetsuits or skins. The longer 10km and 15km swims commence in the morning, with the 5km and 1.5km races starting later, all adhering to a shared afternoon cutoff time. The course is contained within the controlled waters of Dock 9, supported by an expert water safety team and chip timing provided by Time My Race. This event is suitable for experienced endurance swimmers, club swimmers, and capable juniors; the 1.5km junior race is open to ages 10 to 15. Awards differentiate between wetsuit and skin swimmers for all distances, and a team prize is also available for the 10km race.