Swim Race Days Dortmund

Swim Race Days Series kicks off

What a milestone! After intense preparation, a strong idea becomes a full series: the Swim Race Days are growing—one event becomes four editions, and one host becomes an alliance of four committed partners.
What stays the same? Our core: an inspiring, sustainable event concept that showcases swimming in a modern, audience-friendly, and respectful way.

Four events — one shared ambition

Each edition brings its own character: from a family-friendly club vibe to top-tier competition, from youth formats to atmospheric special editions. Together, the series stands for fair conditions, reliable organization, short distances—and goosebump moments with lights, music, and live commentary.

Sustainability you can see—and measure

We focus on reusables and waste reduction, transparent sourcing, guidance for public transport and car-sharing, digital processes instead of paper, and local partnerships. This is how we connect sporting excellence with responsibility—for athletes, fans, clubs, and our city.

More than a competition

Swim Race Days are a meeting place for performance and passion: family-friendly, inclusive by design, with strong youth development—experienced on site and via livestream. This is where talent grows, clubs connect, and swimming shows how contemporary it can be.

Why partners should dive in

The series offers attractive touchpoints for companies and institutions—credible, visible, and highly activatable:

• Visibility & reach: On-site presence, livestream, and social media—targeted and repeatable across four dates.
• Thematic partnerships: e.g., Sustainability Partner, Youth Partner, Livestream or format sponsorships (e.g., Finals, Eliminator, Awards).
• Activation & storytelling: Hands-on activities, product trials, giveaways, hospitality, and co-creating content with athletes and clubs.
• Impact & value fit: Supporting youth, volunteering, and fair sport—measurable and long-term.

Our promise

We professionalize what excites: clear processes, respectful communication, reliable technology—and an event experience that sticks. The Swim Race Days Series redefines swimming: accessible, sustainable, and electrifying.

Keen to jump in—as a team, club, or partner?
Let’s talk and write the next chapter together.

New paths for the future of Swim Race Days

This year, we tried out a new financing method with a crowdfunding project. Even though we did not reach our target, the campaign provided us with valuable insights. The tremendous support from the community shows how important Swim Race Days are to participants and fans. We will take this experience with us as we continue to develop future financing models.

A particular highlight was the challenge against Luca, which will become a regular feature of the programme. The positive response confirms that innovative and interactive formats enrich the event and contribute to the appeal of Swim Race Days.

We would like to thank everyone who took part, supported us and cheered us on. Swim Race Days are constantly evolving, and we look forward to leading them into the future together with you.

To get started with sustainability, we enlisted the help of ISM.  The students developed a concept for making Swim Race Days sustainable. The first step was to select our partners based on their sustainable practices. Another point was the well:fair-Foundation. stand. Here, our aim was to raise awareness of the responsible use of water.

Race Days are back! After two cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic, we organised a new edition of the popular swimming festival. Can we build on the success of previous events? Yes, swimming was looking for new motivation, and Swim Race Days gave young talent the long-awaited boost they needed. Long closures during the pandemic and low water temperatures due to the energy crisis plunged swimming into crisis. There was no sign of this at the Südbad. A sold-out event, packed spectator stands and an exuberant atmosphere left everyone wanting more.

Despite coronavirus, Race Days 2020 was a resounding success. There was no sign of a gloomy atmosphere! Increased hygiene measures ensured the health of all participants. This year, there was plenty to offer in terms of technology, with the start area being redesigned and upgraded with modern lighting and pyrotechnics. The new multimedia display board allowed spectators in the baths to view the action from a new perspective. More and more viewers are following our livestream on the internet. The Fritzantino Circus delighted us this year with a show designed especially for Race Days. It served as a dress rehearsal, as next year the organising club will celebrate its 125th anniversary. You can look forward to some special treats. We have received consistently positive feedback and look forward to seeing you again at Race Days 2021!

In 2019, we introduced a new special at the SRD (Swim Race Days): the Team Race! Anyone who believed swimming was purely an individual sport was proven wrong by the Team Race. One team, four swimmers, all in the water at the same time!

We were sold out ahead of time again in 2019—clear proof that the Swim Race Days concept resonates. We also had the pleasure of welcoming numerous international clubs to Dortmund.

We’re looking forward to 2020 and hope to have you with us again!

The SRD was fully booked several weeks before the registration deadline in 2018. This is not only due to the new and fresh concept, but also to our fantastic volunteers, without whom it would not be possible to organise such an event! Our elimination race got a buzzer. Furthermore, the technology was upgraded, and for the first time, you could follow the Swim Race Days live on the internet. We welcomed guests from Qatar for the first time. In addition, after the competitions, there is the opportunity to chat with other athletes over delicious food and good music.

SV Westfalen Dortmund welcomed guests from all over the world to Dortmund for the second time. The highlight of the event, the elimination race, was topped by the men in the final, with neither Mika Max Bovensmann (SG Dortmund) nor Karst Boersma (De Dinkel NL) wanting to be eliminated and finishing at the same time Video. On the new digital video screen, the order of the strokes was drawn live in front of the swimmers for the first time. To everyone's amusement, it was the order of the strokes...

We are new! We are unique! We are Swim Race Days! For the first time, SV Westfalen Dortmund, Dortmund's oldest swimming club, was able to invite people to Swim Race Days SRD in Dortmund. Right from the start, we achieved a small goal: we are international. With a young team, we have completely transformed competitive sport. The result is a competition with an event character, without long waits or boredom. 2016 is just the starting point; we will establish new formats and take competitive sport to a new level. We are also aware of our social responsibility and support a new social project every year!

Since 2016, the motto has been ‘Are you ready for the Race’!

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