It's time for Lucky #13

The Mekong River Swim draws enthusiasts from around the world who make a pilgrimage to the Prek Leap Agricultural College just to conquer the mighty Mekong river. All in good fun but with plenty of prizes and a myriad of smiling faces, the Mekong River Swim has become increasingly popular since its humble beginnings back in 1995.

This year, the 13th annual instalment of the Mekong River Swim will be held on Sunday, April 6!

As in previous years, the Swim will be at the Prek Leap Agricultural College, about 6km outside Phnom Penh, over the Japanese Bridge.

The swim is open to anyone wishing to participate. Last year over 100 swimmers from 21 countries joined the event and it was enjoyed by a large contingent of enthusiastic spectators. Competitors will swim 650 meters across the Mekong, and return to the starting point by boat. Spectator boats will be available for those who prefer a more leisurely crossing. After the swim there will be a lucky draw for all swimmers.


Registration

If you want to join the Swim, or come as a spectator to cheer on the brave men and women crossing the river, let us know by email on mekongriverswim@yahoo.com. To enter the swim is $10 for foreigners and 10,000 Riel for Khmer. This includes the boatride out to the location and back, drinks, food and a t-shirt.

Registration starts on the swim site at 7:45am, and the swim at 9:00am. The boat out to the site leaves at 7:30am from Sisowath Quay, across from FCCC (details below).


Locations



There will be a boat leaving at 7:30am across from the FCC on Sisowath Quay that goes directly to the site. It's expected back in town around 12:00. To reserve your places on the boat, please send an email to mekongriverswim@yahoo.com.

Of course you can also head out with your own transport. The Agricultural College is located in Prek Leap on the Chroy Changvar peninsula. It's about 6 kilometres over the Japanese Bridge on Highway #6 on your right hand side. You will see a large banner announcing the location.

The swim starts from the northeast corner of campus: turn left at the end of the soccer field and then right at the dorms at the edge of campus.


Volunteering

The Mekong River Swim is organised by volunteers. On the day of the event, we can always use some extra hands. Volunteering doesn't mean that you won't be able to swim! If you are interested in helping out on the day of the event, please let us know through mekongriverswim@yahoo.com.