Ross Edgley to Conquer Iceland’s Coastline in World-First 1,000-Mile Swim – Powered by BMW
SME News UK.The Great Icelandic Swim launches 16 May 2025, as world-renowned endurance athlete Ross Edgley embarks on a historic mission: to swim more than 1,000 miles around Iceland’s entire coastline in just 100 days. This bold expedition, blending extreme physical endurance with pioneering ocean conservation, is supported by BMW and backed by a global team of scientific collaborators.
A Feat of Endurance, Innovation, and Environmental Stewardship
Edgley, famed for swimming around Great Britain and completing the world’s longest non-stop river swim, now sets his sights on Iceland—one of Earth’s harshest environments. Facing 130-foot waves, freezing waters, and the presence of killer whales, he must swim over 30 kilometers daily, braving some of the wildest conditions on the planet.
Yet this challenge is about more than endurance. It’s a powerful commitment to sustainability and science. As he swims, Edgley will gather daily environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, partnering with researchers from the University of Iceland, University of Victoria, and the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute of Iceland. Their mission: to monitor marine biodiversity, track microplastic distribution, and help preserve the fragile ocean ecosystem.
BMW iX: A High-Performance Partner on Land
Supporting the expedition is the all-electric BMW iX, delivering class-leading range (up to 426 miles WLTP), all-wheel drive, and advanced EV-specific features ideal for Iceland’s extreme conditions. As the official support vehicle, it will transport the expedition crew, assist in research logistics, and help reduce the expedition’s carbon footprint—aligning with Edgley’s sustainable ethos.
“Swimming around Iceland isn’t just a personal dream—it’s an opportunity to fuse sport, adventure, and science in one of the world’s last wild frontiers,” said Edgley. “With the support of BMW, Gym King, and SKIRR Adventures, we’re redefining what’s possible in both exploration and environmental research.”
Resilience in Every Stroke
Supported by performance brand Gym King, the expedition celebrates the mental and physical grit needed to face down 260 km/h winds, volcanic ash storms, and freezing sea temperatures. Gym King’s presence on this mission highlights the power of resilience, fueling Edgley and his team’s drive to push beyond the limits.
SKIRR Adventures will provide a 68-foot sailing yacht as Edgley’s floating base, guiding him along the rugged coastline while offering essential recovery, tactical planning, and safety oversight.
The Great Icelandic Swim begins 16 May 2025 and is expected to conclude after three months—marking one of the most ambitious open water swims in human history, and a landmark contribution to global marine conservation.
