Natalia Sasu and Herminio Fernández win 30th El Río Swim Crossing

The annual swim between Lanzarote and La Graciosa celebrated its 30th edition last Saturday.

Natalia Sasu and Herminio Fernández were the winners of the 30th edition.

Sasu was joined on the women’s podium by María Wood and Lily Gopar, while Fernández was followed in the men’s division by Álvaro Cabrera and Diego Vázquez.

One of the main new features of this year’s programme was the Travesía China, which gave younger participants from Lanzarote and La Graciosa the opportunity to experience the event.

It was also announced last Saturday that the 31st edition will take place on 9th October 2027.

Special awards for those behind El Río

The awards ceremony included a series of special recognitions for organisations and individuals who helped establish and support the swim over its 30-year history.

The Real Club Victoria was recognised as the first organisation to host the race in September 1993. Francisco Bello García, who directed the event from 1993 to 2018, was also honoured, with his son accepting the award posthumously.

Margarona Páez Guadalupe, former mayor of La Graciosa, was recognised for her dedication and the support she provided during the event’s early years.

Teguise Ayuntamiento received recognition for its support throughout all 30 editions, alongside municipal employees and representatives who have worked with the organisers since the event began.

Those honoured included former councilwoman Alicia María Páez Guadalupe, Municipal Police Officer Simeón Fernando Páez Betancort, and Public Works technicians Pedro Manuel Páez Betancort, José Simeón Páez Páez, and Siquem Rodríguez García de Albéniz.

The local family-owned business Líneas Romero was also recognised for its involvement since the first edition, particularly its role in the logistics and transportation of swimmers to Playa del Risco.

The La Graciosa Fishermen’s Guild and the Virgen del Mar Parish were honoured for their continued support of the athletes.

In the private sector, Ahembo, formerly Embotelladora de Canarias, received recognition for its ongoing commitment to the event. A posthumous award was also presented to Armando Montero Villalba, with his son accepting it on his behalf.