V Edición de la Travesía de Aguas Abiertas GRAN RETTO, Varadero 2026 (copia con inscripcion)
Imagine swimming in crystal-clear waters, feeling the energy of the Caribbean, and pushing your limits at one of the most famous beaches in the world. The Gran Retto Varadero is not just a competition: it is a unique experience that combines sports, tourism, and fun.
DATE: Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13
PLACE: Varadero, Cuba
DISTANCES:
- GRAN XTREME 10 K
- GRAN RETTO 5 K
- GRAN RETTO 3 K
- GRAN RETTO 1.5 K
- GRAN RETTO 750 MTS
In the "people with disabilities" category, those who have any type of motor or intellectual disability of any kind will participate, as indicated by the participant at the time of registration or during the package delivery.
The use of an inflated individual safety buoy is mandatory for all categories of the event.
Important:
- The categories are divided into women's and men's branches.
- The age category will be determined by the participant's age as of the day of their respective test.
- The age category awards will be held according to the age groups established in this call for entries.
- It is the responsibility of the participants to verify that the information regarding their modality and category is correct during the package delivery.
- People who participate in an age category that does not correspond to them will be disqualified.
Important:
- The t-shirt size is guaranteed for those registered until August 9, 2026.
- All prices are in US dollars.
- Registrations must be carried out or supervised by an adult.
- Registration closes on August 23, 2026, or until all available slots are filled.
- Under no circumstances will the registration fee be refunded.
Registration benefits: competitor kit. Includes:
- Official commemorative t-shirt (1 per competitor).
- Official commemorative backpack (1 per competitor).
- Official tattoos with your participant number. (mandatory use).
- Official participant swim cap (mandatory use).
- Wristband with electronic timing chip (mandatory use).
- Official participation medal upon crossing the finish line.
- Hydration and fruit in the recovery area upon reaching the finish line.
- Awards for the top places in each category and overall.
- Safety and medical assistance in case of emergency during the route and at the destination.
- Recovery kit with water and electrolyte upon reaching the finish line.
IMPORTANT:
- ✽ All prices are in American dollars .
- ✽ Registrations must be carried out or supervised by an adult.
- ✽ The registration fee is plus commission charges for payments on the website or cash payments in stores.
- ✽ Registration closes on Monday, August 4, 2025, or until all available spots are filled..
- ✽ Under no circumstances will the registration fee be refunded.
BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION:
✽ Competitor Kit. Includes:
- Official Commemorative T-shirt (1 per competitor).
- Official Commemorative Backpack (1 per competitor).
- Official tattoos with your participant number.
- Official Participant Swim Cap (MANDATORY USE).
- Bracelet with Electronic Timing Chip (MANDATORY USE).
- Official Participation Medal upon reaching the finish line.
- ✽ Hydration urn in recovery area
- ✽ Awards for the top places in each category and overall.
- ✽ Safety and medical assistance in case of emergency during the route and at the destination.
- ✽ Recovery kit with water and electrolyte upon reaching the finish line.
- ✽ Downloadable photos from the Official GRAN RETTO® album on Facebook.
- ✽ Electronic Certificate of Times and Participation
Registration transfers:
- If the participant wishes to transfer their registration to another person of their choice, they must communicate their request via email no later than August 23, 2026.
- Participating with another person's registration information is grounds for expulsion.
- The registration transfers during package delivery will have a price of $10 USD (ten American dollars).
Teams and group registrations:
- To collect all the kits for a team or group, the coach or responsible person must send their request via email to contacto@granretto.mx with the name of their team or group and a list of members consisting of the number and full name of the group members no later than August 23, 2026.
- On the day of package delivery, the coach or responsible person must present themselves with:
- Copy of an official identification of the coach or responsible person (passport, ID, military service card, or professional license).
- All confirmation letters of registration for the members of your group with duly signed responsibility forms and a copy of an official identification for each member.
If the participant is a minor, the identification and signature of the responsible party must belong to the parent or guardian.
The award ceremony will take place in the event area after all participants have completed the test.
Awards:
- Commemorative medal for all participants who cross the finish line.
- Winner's medal for the top three places in each category.
- Trophy to the three overall female and male winners of each distance and category.
- Special trophy for the teams with the highest number of competitors (the team name must be the same for all members at the time of registration).
Important:
- The presentation of preliminary results will be announced periodically during the event. It is the responsibility of the participants to verify their earned position and make clarifications within 30 minutes after the publication of the first preliminary list. Once that time has elapsed, the official results will be published, and no further clarifications will be accepted.
- 750 m: swimming circuit in front of the "Occidental Arenas Blancas" hotel. Time limit: 30 minutes
- 1.5 k swim: circuit in front of the "Occidental Arenas Blancas" hotel. Time limit: 45 minutes
- Retto 3 k: 2 laps around the swimming circuit in front of the "Occidental Arenas Blancas" hotel Time limit: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Gran Retto 5 k: swimming circuit in front of the "Occidental Arenas Blancas" hotel. Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Gran Retto Xtreme 10k: 2 laps of the swimming circuit in front of the "Occidental Arenas Blancas" hotel. Time limit: 5 hours
Maps coming soon
Starts
The specific schedules will be available soon in the participant guide. All starts will take place at:
beach hotel "Occidental Arenas Blancas" Varadero
The access to the pre-start will be restricted only to participants minutes before it begins, and they must present themselves with:
- Inflatable security personnel buoy.
- Timing chip placed on the ankle (leg) of your preference.
- Participant number properly placed on both arms (tattoos provided in your kit).
- Official cap of the color corresponding to your start (check cap colors in the competitor guide, pre-meeting, and kit distribution).
Important:
- The participant must present the previous points; otherwise, they will not be allowed to compete.
- Entry will not be allowed for individuals who are not properly registered for the event.
PARTICIPANTS MUST USE THE TIMING CHIP ON THEIR ANKLE.
GRAN RETTO® will use its Active – Ipico Sports Electronic Timing technology of the latest generation with high-end chips and equipment that ensure the highest accuracy in timing.
IMPORTANT:
- ✽ If the participant does not place their timing chip correctly, they will be disqualified.
- ✽ Before starting, it is MANDATORY to go through the pre-start area; otherwise, the electronic timing chip will not activate, and the participant will be automatically disqualified, losing all their rights as a competitor.
- ✽ In case of loss or misplacement of the Wristband or the Electronic Timing Chip, the replacement cost is $25.00 USD (Twenty-Five United States Dollars).
- ✽ If for any reason the participant does not return their timing chip at the end of the event, they must contact the Organizing Committee to return it; otherwise, they will be asked to cover the replacement cost at the next event they attend.
- ✽ There are only TWO calendar days after the event to make clarifications to the results.
COMPETITOR MARKING WITH TATTOOS:
In their participant kit, they will receive 2 tattoos with their competitor number, which they will need to place on both arms in a descending manner as shown in the image:
IMPORTANT:
The tattooed numbers will be matched with the timing chip during the pre-start; competitors who do not have their timing chip and proper marking will not be allowed to start.
MEDICAL SERVICE:
First aid medical assistance will be provided during the event in case of an emergency. If necessary, participants will be transported to the nearest hospital, and the cost will be the responsibility of the participant. The Organizing Committee wishes to see all participants finish without any health issues, so we recommend following all instructions from the STAFF and requesting support from emergency services if needed..
ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND RISKS:
By participating in the event, all conditions and guidelines set forth in the announcement are accepted. Additionally, the competitor agrees that they are a swimmer in good physical condition and that they do not have any illness, condition, or injury that would affect their performance. It is understood and accepted that participation in the discipline of open water swimming carries the risk of serious injury and even death. With this knowledge, at the time of registration, the participant acknowledges, accepts, and assumes this risk. By participating in the event, the Organizing Committee is released from any responsibility in the event of an incident, and the participant waives any moral, monetary, legal, or any other claims related to it..
It is accepted to be filmed or photographed by the designated personnel, and the Organizing Committee of the event is allowed to use the name, photograph, and biographical information before, during, and after the participation period in the event for promotional purposes..
The Organizing Committee of the event is NOT RESPONSIBLE for transportation, accommodation, and food expenses due to the cancellation and/or delay of the event by order of the competent authorities, due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, and the registration fee will not be refundable under any circumstances.
TRANSITORY:
The present call is made with the information and circumstances prevailing at the date of publication. In the event that situations arise that require the Organizing Committee to modify it, the necessary changes will be made and published on social media and in the official call.
The points not provided for in this call will be resolved by the Organizing Committee.