Race Details

Distance: 1 mile

Date: Sunday, July 11, 2010 (Rain date July 25th)

Start: 8am

Check-in: 6:45am – 7:30am

Location: River Dock (near Arthur Fiedler head statue by the Hatch Shell on Esplanade)

Description: One-mile loop course between Harvard and Longfellow Bridge. Water start.  Please see maps.

Fees: $30 until the end of April, $35 till the end of May, and $40 till July 4. USAT membership is a requirement and can be purchased on race day for $10.

Participant cap: 150 swimmers

This swim is sanctioned by USAT # 10215.

  • Only pre-registered swimmers are allowed to compete.
  • Water temperature: Expected to be in the 70s in July.
  • Wet suits are allowed, but not necessary in July.
  • This swim is not for novices; it is for experienced open-water swimmers only. At a minimum you should be able to swim one mile comfortably in under 40 minutes.
  • USAT membership is required. Day-long membership is $10 and can be purchased on race day.
  • Age requirement: 16 years minimum
  • Kayakers will provide support during the race
  • Fluorescent swim caps will be provided and must be worn for safety reasons
  • Mandatory Athlete check-in from 7:00am to 7:45am, need to bring ID and signed waiver
  • Pre-race announcement at 7:45am
  • Start 8am
  • Bag-check available
  • The rain date will be Sunday, July 25.

CAUTION

  • This swim is not for novices; this event is for experienced open-water swimmers only. We ask that you either list at least one open water race you completed during the last 2 years or that you certify that you swim the distance of at least one mile in the pool several times a week. You should be able to swim one mile comfortably in a pool in under 40 minutes.
  • The race is dependent on weather conditions and may be canceled under adverse conditions. Swimmers may encounter random jetsam and flotsam in the river.

RACE STATUS

  • In the even of heavy or prolonged rainfall, the swim might be canceled. In that case, we will send out an e-mail the day before the race and have a notice on this website.

FUN STUFF

  • Awards, goodies, race packet and post-race refreshments
  • Bragging rights for having swam a mile in the Charles River!

DIRECTIONS

We suggest you arrive by public transportation, biking or walking. The closest MBTA station is the Charles/MGH station on the Red Line or Arlington or Copley Station on the Green Line. Volunteers will greet persons crossing the Arthur Fiedler footbridge or the Charles/MGH footbridge. Pay parking is available at the Boston Common garage. Rates and directions are available here.