21.10.2025 18:50
Young swimmer Elif Berke became the Turkish champion by swimming 39 kilometers in 14 hours at the 5th İskenderun Gulf Open Water Swimming Marathon held in Hatay, finishing first in both the overall ranking and her age group.
The 5th İskenderun Gulf Open Water Swimming Marathon was completed in İskenderun, Hatay. The marathon, which started in Yumurtalık, Adana, featured 3 individual athletes. Athletes were accompanied by 3 boats and a first aid team during the marathon.
SWAM 39 KILOMETERS, BECAME TURKEY'S CHAMPION Elif Berke, a 21-year-old swimmer, completed the 39-kilometer marathon, which ended in İskenderun, Hatay, in 14 hours, 5 minutes, and 33 seconds, becoming Turkey's champion. Other athletes were unable to finish the marathon.
PROTOCOL AND CITIZENS GREETED WITH APPLAUSE Swimmer Elif Berke, who managed to complete the 39-kilometer course alone, stated that the sea conditions were challenging for her, saying, "This ultra marathon is the only ultra marathon held in our country. It is an organization organized under the leadership of the Bosphorus Olympic Swimming Sports Club. This year marks the 5th edition of this marathon. We swam across the İskenderun Gulf in Hatay. I completed the 39-kilometer distance from Yumurtalık, Adana to İskenderun, Hatay in 14 hours and 5 minutes. The race started at 4:00 AM, and it was past 6:00 PM when I finished the course. The sea conditions were very challenging. The 4 marathons held before this year did not have such demanding sea conditions. There were no waves in the sea. This year, unfortunately, there were waves reaching 3-4 meters. This made it very difficult for me. I was able to complete the distance, which normally would take 11 hours under planned sea conditions, in 14 hours," she said.
'IT IS PROHIBITED TO MAKE CONTACT WITH ANYTHING TO REST' Elif Berke, who stated that she takes liquid food supplements every half hour to regain her lost energy, said, "While swimming, I only consume liquid food every half hour. My coach prepares my nutritional liquid every half hour and throws it to me; I drink it without stopping and continue on my way without making contact with anything. When we stop and make contact with something, we get disqualified," she said.
'SWIMMING SPORTS DO NOT RECEIVE THE VALUE THEY DESERVE IN OUR COUNTRY' Elif Berke expressed her desire to represent Turkey in the world, stating that she has difficulty finding sponsors, saying, "These types of sports have just started to gain acceptance in our country. However, they are not valued in our city, Denizli. They always remain in the background compared to other leading sports. I also want to participate in other courses held abroad. But this requires a cost. To cover these costs, I need to find sponsors. However, it is becoming difficult for me to find sponsors because no one gives the necessary value. My first dream is to cross the English Channel. After that, I would like to participate in the Oceans Seven Marathon and Triple Crown marathons. But to do these, I need to find sponsors to cover the costs," she stated.
'I TRAIN 6 DAYS A WEEK' Elif Berke stated that she received the results of her 6 days of morning and evening training in completing the 39-kilometer distance by herself, saying, "I train 6 days a week, except for Monday, every day in the morning and evening in the pool and on land. Just training in the pool is not enough. I also need to do land training for conditioning," she said.
'THERE IS NOTHING THAT TURKISH GIRLS CANNOT ACHIEVE' Elif Berke emphasized that every young person should engage in a sport, stating, "I believe that Turkish girls can achieve many things when given the opportunity. However, some sports do not receive support. In fact, every sport should be of interest. I would like every young person to engage in a sport individually. I sincerely wish for our country to stand out in sports and achieve success in many fields," she evaluated.
"MY BIGGEST SUPPORTER IS MY FAMILY" The successful athlete added that her biggest supporter in swimming, which she started at the age of 8, is her family, saying, "My family is the biggest supporter of these successes. Without them, I wouldn't have achieved these successes. They guided me to sports from a young age. They took me to training regardless of morning, evening, rain, or mud. They are still behind me and continue to support me with the same interest. I cannot repay their rights," she expressed.