Qatar-based Filipino siblings make podium finishes in the Philippines' first 20K open-water swim
Qatar-based Filipino siblings Kayra Demirkol, 14, and Kerim Demirkol, 17, made podium finishes in the inaugural 20K ultramarathon swim at the 10th Swimjunkie Challenge in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Qatar Tribune reported.
Two Qatar-based Filipino siblings, Kayra Demirkol, 14, and Kerim Demirkol, 17, made podium finishes in the Philippines' first-ever 20-kilometre ultramarathon open-water swim, Qatar Tribune reported.
Based in Qatar, where they live and train, the siblings travelled to the Philippines to take part in the event, the paper said.
How they finished
| Swimmer | Result | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kayra Demirkol, 14 | Second overall, women's division | 6 hours, 22 minutes and 26 seconds |
| Kerim Demirkol, 17 | First among junior swimmers; fourth overall, men's division | 6 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds |
Kayra was the youngest competitor in the 20K field, according to Qatar Tribune.
A new distance in Caramoan
The inaugural 20K race was part of the 10th Swimjunkie Challenge in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, held on 4 October. The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur described it as the first 20-kilometre ultramarathon swim loop in the Philippines, run alongside 2KM, 5KM, 10KM and 15KM swims, with swimmers looping Gota Beach, Hunongan Cove, Lahos Island and Matukad Island.
Each 20K swimmer had a local fisherman as a personal marshal, Qatar Tribune said, and the provincial government said more than 360 personnel from its Incident Management Team were formed into medical, search and rescue, communication and security groups for the event.
"One island at a time"
Kayra said she approached the race by taking it "one island at a time", describing the final kilometres as the toughest part. "Swimming in Philippine waters made it special," she said, adding that "young Filipinas can do hard things too".
"We train in pools and in the sea in Qatar, but nothing prepares you for six hours in open water," Kerim said. "We are proud to bring this home to the Filipino community in Qatar."
The siblings have also competed in European events. Kerim previously won 10K open-water titles in Aktau, Kazakhstan, in 2025 and Imatra, Finland, in 2026, Qatar Tribune reported.
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- Kayra Demirkol, 14, finished second overall in the women's division of the 20K swim in 6 hours, 22 minutes and 26 seconds, Qatar Tribune reported.
- Kerim Demirkol, 17, placed first among junior swimmers and fourth overall in the men's division in 6 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds.
- The 20K ultramarathon was part of the 10th Swimjunkie Challenge in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, on 4 October.
- The siblings live and train in Qatar and travelled to the Philippines for the race.
- Each 20K swimmer was accompanied by a local fisherman serving as a personal marshal.
Official sources
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