2017 Finger Lakes Open Water Swim Festival
September 23-24, 2017
10.5 Mile on September 23 (max of 15 swimmers)
2 Mile, 1 Mile and .5 Mile on Sunday, September 24
Seneca Lake
RACE FORMAT FOR 2017
Date/Time: 10.5 Mile Swim on September 23, 2017 (max of 15 swimmers). September 24, 2017 at 8am (2 mile), 9:15am (1 Mile), and 10am (.5 Mile). Swimmers may enter multiple distances.
10.5 Mile Swim registration is September 23rd at 8am, swim starts at 9am (7hr time limit). September 24, 2017 events – registration and warm-ups from 7:15–7:45am (2 mile), 7:15-9am (1 mile), 7:15-9:45am (.5 Mile). Mandatory meeting and line-up for all swimmers starting 15 minutes before each race. Awards table open at the completion of each distance to pick up awards. To accommodate the multiple event format and to allow swimmers to swim multiple distances, there will only be an awards table for pick up versus a formal awards presentation. Swimmers may enter multiple events. You do not need to be a WOWSA member, but membership is encouraged and appreciated.
Location/Directions: Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen, NY. Registration and Event held at Clute Park, 155 S Clute Park Dr, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
Eligibility: Our event is sanctioned by World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA). We recommend you join WOWSA (on race entry form), but it is not required. Wetsuits are allowed in all distances except the 10.5 mile swim, and separate awards will be given for wetsuit entries. An entry fee discount is offered for swimmers participating in 2 or more events. Swimmers 12 and under must provide proof of a timed 1 mile swim, supported by a coach sign off, or they may enter the .5 Mile swim with parent’s consent.
Rules: The event is sanctioned by WOWSA, and WOWSA rules and regulations are followed.
Please see www.worldopenwaterswimmingassociation.com for details.
Conditions: The course for the 10.5 mile swim on 9/23/2017 is an out and back course on the open lake where you will stay close to the western shore line. Course for 9/24/2017 is an out and back course starting at Clute Park. The course is 2 miles on the eastern shore line with navigation and turn buoy indicators for the shorter distances. In water start. The safety of swimmers is our prime concern; therefore, the swimming event may be delayed or canceled due to bad weather. The Meet Director, US Coast Guard and Marine Police will make this decision. There will be no refunds once the swimmer has entered the race.
Entry Fees: For events on 9/24/2017 – $60 pre-registration by July 31, 2017, $85 by August 31, 2017 and $95 between September 1 and 10, 2017. On-line registration closes September 10, 2017 at 11pm EST. Swimmers may enter multiple events, and each additional event is $20. Race day registration is available for $125 entry fee for 1st event, $25 for each additional event. Fees include t-shirts for registrations received by August 15, 2017, refreshments, permits, insurance, electronic timing, caps, placement awards, t-shirt and race bags. After August 15, race shirts are available as supply lasts. 10.5 Mile Swim – $200, which includes your own kayak escort provided by the event. Register here.
Chip Timing: Chip timing is only used for events on 9/24/2017. Results and awards will be available soon after the last swimmer is done in each race; awards will then be available for pick up at the awards table. Awards will not be mailed. Clock timing is used for the 10.5 mile swim.
Awards: In each non-wetsuit distance, medals are awarded for the top 3 finishers in each age group and top 3 overall male & female. Age groups are: 11-12, 13-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89 and 90+. Awards in the wetsuit divisions will be for the top 3 overall male & female. There will be no age groups for the 10.5 mile swim, and all finishers will receive finisher medals. Awards will be available at the awards table for pick-up at the completion of each event. Results will be posted at www.fingerlakesopenwaterswimming.com.
Safety – Our Primary Concern: For safety reasons, swimmers unable to complete a mile in 45 minutes are advised not to enter multiple events because we’ll start each event timely. Swimmers still on the course at 10:45am will be stopped and listed as DNF in the results. In case of inclement weather, the race director may close the course and prevent swimmers from completing the swim. Entry fee includes a highly visible swim cap that must be worn as the top cap during the swim and all swimmers must have their race number on the provided cap. Since swimmers can enter multiple events, we will not do body marking. Therefore, it is critical swimmers wear the assigned cap for each distance. Lifeguards, safety boats, and kayaks will monitor the entire race course. Medical cards are available at day of registration for you to complete if you would like to alert us to potential issues (i.e. diabetes, allergies). For the 10.5 Mile Swim each swimmer must have a kayak escort. Patrol boats will also be on the course for monitoring and safety. The course will stay close to shore line. (click here for race safety plan)
Water Temperature: 69 to 74°F
Accommodations: Please see www.fingerlakesopenwaterswimming.com for a list of local hotels and area attractions.
For more information please see www.fingerlakesopenwaterswimming.com or contact Bridgette Hobart via email at bhobart@ptcllc.com, or via phone at 973.663.3663.
Any questions, please contact event director Bridgette Hobart at 973-663-3663 or 862-432-0357 (mobile).
Course maps, T-shirts and goodie bags are available at check-in.
Check out the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce page for local things to do.
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