The 19th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

🏊‍♂️ The 19th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

Date: May 17, 2025

Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay St, Beaufort, SC

Event Options:

• 3.2-Mile Swim: Participants can take part in this scenic swim.
• 1-Mile Swim: A shorter option for those looking for a quick dip.
• Combined Swim/Run: Participants can choose the 3.2-Mile Swim/5K Run event.
• Relay Option: Timed event, but no awards will be given.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE WARDLE FAMILY YMCA'S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM!

💡 Sponsorship and Donations

If interested in sponsoring or donating to the 2025 Beaufort River Swim, please contact Perri Flaherty at p.flaherty@wardleflamilyymca.org or (843) 379-1365.

🏊 Swim Race Course

Our 3.2 mile course is the unique estuary called the Beaufort River, starting at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina, winding around the curve, and finishing at the day dock, adjacent to the Beaufort Waterfront Park, with spectators watching the finish line. The course is approximately 3.2 miles swimming with the tide. The water temp is mild to warm, usually mid 70's. The surface wave conditions range from calm to choppy at times depending upon the weather. Our 1 mile course follows this same path, but begins at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Dock. Both swims finish at the same location and the delayed start for the 1 mile swim allows all swimmers to have a safe event.

📅 Packet Pick-Up

• Date: Friday, May 16th, from 3:00 PM-7:00 PM at the YMCA at Port Royal (1801 Richmond Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935).
• Race Day Check-In: Starts at 6:00 AM at the Downtown Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina (1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902).
• Transportation: YMCA staff will transport swimmers to their respective starting points.
• Check-In Time: All 3.2 Mile Race entrants must check in by 7:15 AM.

🏃‍♀️ 5K Run Details

You can sprint, you can jog, or you can walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery as you run along the waterfront park, cross the Woods Memorial swing bridge, turn right down Meridian Road, turn around at the marked turn station and return the way you came. The race will require runners to exit the transition zone over to the sidewalk and run along the Waterfront park. Runners will finish the race along the seawall in the marked Finish Area. Please note that due to the nature of this race, Woods Memorial Bridge is not closed down and runners will be on the sidewalk. There is a small chance the bridge can open during this time and runners will be required to stop.

⚠️ Registration Information

Note that there is NO same-day registration – registration ends Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM EST.

📋 Swimming Information

• Age Requirement: 1 Mile Swim participants must be at least 10 years old: 3.2 Mile swim participants must be at least 13 years old.
• Equipment Rules: Equipment and headphones are not permitted due to safety protocols.
• Wet-suits: Allowed, but will make participants ineligible for awards.
• Finish Procedure: You must swim up to, onto, and run/walk up the boat ramp and over the timing mat to finish the race.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Awards presentation will be held 2 hours after the swim start for swimmers and 2.5 hours after the swim start for swim/runners at the downtown marina parking lot area.

• Bobbleheads: Awards for top female & male finishers for all categories.

🚓 Race Safety

The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will be providing primary safety for our event. A fleet of kayakers and other safety vessels will monitor the course to ensure the swimmers' safety. Swimmers must follow directions of safety personnel. Please review swim course and running course prior to the event! No headphones/ear buds/swim enhancing equipment are allowed during the swim portion of the race.

💵 Entry Fees

Entry Fee is non-refundable including in the event of inclement weather, water conditions or issues beyond our control. In the event of a cancellation, Beaufort Search & Rescue will make the final call. Swimmers will still be able to pick up their race bags in the event of a cancellation.

🔗 More Information

For further details about the race, please visit the official race page.