Águas Abertas Brasília — MKS

In 1883, the Italian priest Don Bosco shared a prophetic dream, describing a future civilization of immense prosperity emerging near a lake between the 15th and 20th parallels. Many in Brazil view this vision as the spiritual genesis of Brasília, the modernist capital that rose from the arid central plateau. Today, swimmers gathered at the Clube Ascade Lago follow the path of that vision, cutting through the waters of Lake Paranoá, a vast 48-square-kilometer reservoir created in 1959 to transform the local climate. As you prepare for the 2.4km crossing starting at the Parque da Asa Delta, you are navigating the same expanse that once claimed the village of Vila Amaury. Built by the pioneers who constructed the capital, this settlement was intentionally submerged during the lake's creation; while the ruins now rest at the bottom, they remain a haunting, hidden landmark beneath your stroke.

The water and its inhabitants

Swimming in this lake is an experience defined by its scale and its recent, complex history. The water, designed to irrigate the plateau, reaches depths of up to 38 meters, providing a stark, deep-blue contrast to the modernist skyline. While you push toward the finish at Clube Ascade, keep an eye out for the local wildlife; it is common to spot the neotropic cormorant—locally known as the biguá—diving nearby, or even the occasional capybara patrolling the shoreline. The lake also hosts the jacaretinga, a small caiman species, though they typically avoid the commotion of swimmers. A sobering reminder of the lake's heavy nautical life remains the memory of a 2011 vessel sinking, a tragedy that prompted stricter safety protocols now enforced by the race organizers.

Race day logistics

For the 2026 edition on August 29th, the 2.4km distance is a point-to-point test. To ensure smooth operations given the lake's size, the organizers provide a mandatory shuttle service from the Clube Ascade headquarters to the start at 6:45 AM. Missing this window forces athletes to arrange their own transport, a logistics constraint necessitated by the lake's vast perimeter. While the event welcomes all levels, those opting to wear neoprene during the 2.4km race are ineligible for the overall trophy, a rule designed to keep the competition focused on raw performance. Registration fees, ranging from 33 to 63 EUR, cover a comprehensive race kit including a silicone cap, polyamide t-shirt, and your numbered arm tattoo. If you seek more time in these waters, the calendar offers other challenges nearby, such as the Travessia das Pontes in late August.