Swimmers take the plunge in St. Petersburg's Neva River
More than 600 swimmers jumped into St. Petersburg's Neva River and circled the city's historic Peter and Paul Fortress. The 1.4-mile circuit gave participants a unique way to see the city's historic attractions.
Swimmer stroke their way around St. Petersburg
Some 600 swimmers from 13 different countries withstood the Russian rainfall on Sunday to swim the 1.4-mile (2.3-kilometer) circuit around the central St. Petersburg island that hold the Peter and Paul Fortress. Participants got the chance to take in some of the historic city's most iconic sites from the river.
Tough currents
Those who took part didn't just have to contend with the long swim amid rainfall; St. Petersburg's Neva river is also known for its fierce currents and thick beds of seaweed.
A unique way to see the city's historic attractions
The Neva circuit took swimmers around some of St Petersburg's most historic and eye-catching landmarks. The city's cathedral, for example, is known for its golden spire that rises up to 122 meters into the sky. It also the burial place for most of Russia's czars since Peter the Great.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
The event, organized by the Global Swim Series, gave participants the unique chance to conquer the Neva river, where swimming is otherwise prohibited. St. Petersburg local Yelena Vodolazova said "it was not only a physical challenge for oneself but also an unforgettable experience of swimming in such a beautiful historical location where swimming is normally restricted."