147 Swimmers Take Part in the 27th St. Euphemia Swimming Marathon
Rovinj, 12.09.2026.
On Saturday, 12 September, the 27th St. Euphemia Swimming Marathon was held in Valdaliso Bay. This year’s event brought together 147 swimmers of different ages, from the youngest participants in the Figarolica race to experienced open-water swimmers and recreational competitors.
Three races took place in the waters off Rovinj: the 3,000-metre Velika Figarola, the 1,500-metre Mala Figarola and the 50-metre Figarolica children’s race. The start and finish of the two main races were located in the sea in front of the beach of the Martin Horvat Special Hospital for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation.
Anina Kirbiš and Dominik Ivančić Fastest Over 3,000 Metres
The Velika Figarola provided an exciting and closely contested race. The fastest swimmer overall was Slovenia’s Anina Kirbiš, who completed the 3,000-metre course in 41:12.5.
In the women’s competition, Mihaela Lovakovic finished second in 44:14.9, while Daria Lovakovic took third place with a time of 45:04.3.
Dominik Ivančić won the men’s race in 41:14.1. Ivan Cetina reached the finish only 6.4 seconds later, recording a time of 41:20.5. Third place went to Italian swimmer Gaetano Carambia, who completed the course in 44:22.7.
Velika Figarola – 3,000 metres, women
-
Anina Kirbiš – 41:12.5
-
Mihaela Lovakovic – 44:14.9
-
Daria Lovakovic – 45:04.3
Velika Figarola – 3,000 metres, men
-
Dominik Ivančić – 41:14.1
-
Ivan Cetina – 41:20.5
-
Gaetano Carambia – 44:22.7
Winner of the men's overall category: Dominik Ivančić
Mihaela Lovaković, Ana Kirbiš, Daria Lovaković, the best in the absolute category for women
Matija Mužina and Laura Jančić Win the Mala Figarola
The 1,500-metre race was equally exciting. In the men’s competition, the first three swimmers reached the finish within less than ten seconds of one another.
Matija Mužina took the victory with a time of 21:45.0, ahead of Toni Crnković, who finished in 21:49.9. Dino Crnković placed third with a time of 21:54.6.
Laura Jančić was the fastest woman, completing the course in 27:13.4. Lucija Šitum took second place in 27:28.3, while Sofia Saina reached the finish only one second later to claim third place with a time of 27:29.3.
Mala Figarola – 1,500 metres, women
-
Laura Jančić – 27:13.4
-
Lucija Šitum – 27:28.3
-
Sofia Saina – 27:29.3
Mala Figarola – 1,500 metres, men
-
Matija Mužina – 21:45.0
-
Toni Crnković – 21:49.9
-
Dino Crnković – 21:54.6
In the Mala Figarola, awards were presented to the overall winners in the men’s and women’s competitions. In the Velika Figarola, prizes were awarded to the overall winners as well as to the best swimmers in each age category.
Matija Mužina & company
Laura Jančić
Figarolica – The First Steps of Future Marathon Swimmers
The 50-metre Figarolica children’s race once again brought special joy to the event. The youngest swimmers bravely entered the water, encouraged by their parents, friends and spectators, showing that the Rovinj marathon already has a new generation of participants.
The opportunity for children, recreational swimmers, club competitors and experienced open-water swimmers to meet at the same event gives the marathon its special atmosphere. After the races, everyone gathered for lunch, the announcement of the winners and the award ceremony.
Figarolica
Thank You to Everyone Who Contributed to the Marathon
The St. Euphemia Swimming Marathon was organised by Delfin Rovinj-Rovigno Swimming Club, under the patronage of the City of Rovinj-Rovigno and the Rovinj-Rovigno Sports Association.
Organising an event of this scale would not have been possible without all those who helped ensure the swimmers’ safety, prepare the course and provide logistical support, refreshments, prizes, photography, video coverage and entertainment on shore.
We extend our sincere thanks to this year’s donors, sponsors, partners and friends of the marathon:
Maistra d.d., Valalta d.o.o., Mirna d.d., Darna d.o.o., Turistička zajednica Grada Rovinja-Rovigno, Sportska zajednica Grada Rovinja-Rovigno, Restaurant Pizzeria Dario, Pizzeria Mamma, Monte Caffe, Mediacom, Foto Duga, KPA Rovinj, JVP Rovinj, Aqua Sport Rovinj, Palma Ekstreme, Tiskara centar Lava, Optika Optiplus Žminj, Vina Vivoda, Valbruna Sport, Vino Panjoka, Terra di Leme, Pro Metal, Vina Herak Smoljan, LC Studio, Print Studio.
Special thanks go to Martina Ukić for the design, Stanko Pajković for the video coverage and the Rovinj Majorettes, whose performance further enriched the programme.
We also thank all the volunteers, boat crews, canoeists, judges, medical personnel and other associates whose dedication contributed to the safety and welcoming atmosphere of the event.
Our greatest thanks go to all the swimmers who once again filled Valdaliso Bay with sporting spirit, enthusiasm and positive energy.
After 27 editions, the St. Euphemia Swimming Marathon continues to bring together swimming, the sea, friendship and Rovinj’s sporting tradition.
See you again on the second Saturday in September!
Donors
