Swimmers from 49 countries took part in the event in Istanbul, making their way from Kanlıca on the Asian side of the city to Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park in Europe.

Russian swimmers Evgeny Eliseev and Kristina Kochetkova were the respective male and female winners.

Eliseev finished the 6.5 kilometres race in 50min 58sec while Kochetkova was timed at 54:47.

Winners were presented with gifts and medals at a ceremony hosted by several dignitaries, including Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak.

"The race has been an overwhelming success," said TOC President Dr Uğur Erdener.

"No matter how many times you have seen it before, it is always a breathtaking sight to witness thousands of swimmers from all over the world make their way across the Bosphorus from Asia to Europe. 

"Thanks to the support from our partner, Samsung Electronics Turkey, we have once again broken the participation record for this unique race.

"On behalf of the TOC, Samsung Electronics Turkey and City of Istanbul, I would like to thank all of those who took part in today's race and we look forward to welcoming you back next year for what will hopefully be another record-breaking race."

Sixty-eight swimmers took part at the inaugural edition of the race in 1989.

Last year, the race was selected as the "World Open Water Swimming Offering of the Year" by the World Open Water Swimming Association.