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The 2020 Beaufort River Swim+5k has been RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, 2020! 
If you have urgent questions please contact Denice Fanning, Event Director: d.fanning@wardlefamilyymca.org or call 843-521-1904
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Yes! A 5k LAND RACE IS NOW PART OF THE BRS! 
We are thrilled to add this exciting dimension to the Beaufort River Swim event! The 5K can be raced on its own, OR in conjunction with EITHER the 3.2-Mile Competitive Swim OR the 1-Mile Fun Swim. There is also a relay team option.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ALL 2020 BRS+5K EVENTS AND LEARN MORE DETAILS

SEE 2019 BRS RACE RESULTS HERE
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE WARDLE FAMILY YMCA'S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM!

​5K Run
Lace up your shoes and compete in the inaugural BRS+ 5K! You can sprint, you can jog or you can walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery as you traverse Bay Street in historic Beaufort, cross the Richard V. Woods Memorial bridge (it's a swing bridge!), head down shady Meridian Road to a turnaround - take the same route back to the finish located downtown. Compete in age categories for the 5K; 3.2- Mile Swim+5K; 1-Mile Fun Swim+5K. Relay teams (one person swims and one person runs) can also compete in the 3.2-Mile Swim+5K. The 5K run starts at 9 am.

​1-Mile Fun Swim
Grab your wet suit, fins and snorkel for a fun, non-competitive 1-mile swim down the Beaufort River!
Leaves from the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock after all the competitive 3.2-mile swimmers have passed this location, approx 7:30 am. 
Check-in is the same as the competitive swim and swimmers will be bused to the BMH dock for the start at approximately 7:30 am.
If you ever wanted to try the Beaufort River Swim but could not commit to the 3.2-Mile race this is a great chance to 'test the waters'. 
Note that Fun Swim Swimmers must be at least 10 years old. All Fun Swim participants who complete the Fun Swim will receive finisher medals.
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COMPETE FOR THE COVETED BOBBLE-HEAD TROPHY!
Trophies will be awarded at the BRS+5K for the following:
3.2-Mile Swim Overall Male & Female 
3.2-Mile Swim Age Group Categories
3.2-Mile+5K Overall Male & Female
3.2-Mile+5K Age Group Categories
3.2-Mile+5K Relay Top 3 Relay Teams

5K Age Group male and female

All event participants who complete their event will receive finisher medals.

History:

The Beaufort River Swim+5K is quickly becoming a Beaufort and Lowcountry tradition. The River Swim began in 2006 as a way to promote the sport of swimming while the Local Water Festival was occurring. It quickly began to take shape as an event all of its own! The YMCA took charge of the event and hosted it to start 2008. While initially the competitive swim had two different lengths, we realized that having everyone swim the same distance and start together was much more clear and fun for the competitors. 

The competitive event is now set as a 3.2-Mile Open water swim along the shoreline of Beaufort, highlighting the natural beauty of the area. And back again is the 1-Mile 'Fun Swim" which will start at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock. This is a great opportunity to experience what swimming in open water is like or just kick back and enjoy the scenic view of Beaufort from the water.

​Now, in 2020 we have ADDED A RUNNING RACE to our popular open water swim event and we anticipate it will up the ante for competitive athletes, biathletes and triathletes! Or if you are a land-lubber wanting to do a fun 5K or just want  to support your local  Y's Learn To Swim Program - register for the 5K and enjoy a 3.2 mile walk through the beautiful scenery adjacent to the Beaufort River!

Please join us and be a part of this great event and help us towards our goal of being safe around the water and learning to swim!

Proceeds of the Beaufort River Swim Benefit Our Learn to Swim Program:

 Last year we raised over $14,000 at the Beaufort River Swim. Individuals who wouldn't have the access or means to learn to swim are able to, through generous donations and support from individuals like you. In addition to support from the River Swim, our own scholarship program and outside grants such as the Y-USA Safety Around the Water grant, allowed over 900 individuals to be positively impacted through swim lessons and aquatic programming and education at the Y.  In 2019 the Y taught over 900 kids and adults to swim!

Swimmers of all levels participate in the River Swim: triathletes, recreational lap swimmers and competitive age group swimmers. The swimming portion of the race starts at Port Royal Landing Marina, travels around the bend, passes the Hospital, and finishes at the Boat Ramp at the corner of the Downtown Marina, adjacent to Waterfront Park. The *NEW* 5K portion of our event takes place in downtown Beaufort starting at the south end of Bay Street, crossing the Woods Bridge, taking a right on Meridian Road, turning around at approximately 1/2 mile and repeating the same course back to the finish.
 
The YMCA is a not for profit organization promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The organization is overseen by a  volunteer board of directors within the community. 

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