Swim The Fish 2024

Swim the Fish is a 1 mile, 1/2 mile, or 5K (3.1 miles) open water swim race benefiting the Wave's scholarship program, which helps all community members have access to health and wellness in the Flathead Valley. The races will take place on a loop course starting and finishing at Whitefish City Beach.  

Registration/Cost
Registration is found online through race day. Register before August 1 to ensure you receive race swag!

• Fees for all swim distances are $35 through July 31st at 11:59 PM. 
• Late registration runs from August 1 - August 9 and is $45. 
• Same day registration cost will increase to $50.

Please note: You will not be guaranteed a race packet if signing up during late or same day registration time period. 

Race Packet Pickup
You will be able to pick up your race packet at The Wave Aquatics and Fitness Center  (1250 Baker Avenue, Whitefish) on August 9th from 3 to 7 PM. Please note: You will have until August 9th @ 7 PM to change your distance of swim you registered for. Please contact Carrie Jacobs | carriemjacobs@gmail.com to change your distance, or let us know at the time of packet pickup. There will not be any changes to races the morning of the race. Please plan accordingly.
 
Race Morning

Swimmers can check in and pick up their race packet if they haven't done so the night before, starting at 6:30 AM the morning of the race. You will not be able to change your distance of swim the morning of the race. Race day registration will be available online and will be $50. You will not be guaranteed race swag if registering during the late registration period, at packet pickup, or the morning of the race.

Please note there is a public parking lot close by that will be open on race morning. Please obey all street signs.

There will be a mandatory athlete meeting the morning of the race, beginning at 7:45 AM. All meetings will take place on the beach in front of the arch - which will be your start and finish line!

The 5K race will begin at 8 AM, the 1 mile race will begin at 8:03 AM and the 1/2 mile race will begin shortly after.

All swimmers will have a free entry to the Huckleberry Pancake feed held at the Moose Lodge from 9 – 12 PM. Swim your race, cheer on others as they finish, and then head to a well deserved free breakfast! Additional tickets may be purchased at the breakfast for $13.00/each. 

Results

Results will be posted online at the Wave’s website, after they are finalized, and at Competitive Timing, our awesome timing company we are utilizing again this year!. There will only be 1 category this year regardless if you choose to swim in a wetsuit or in a swimsuit. Awards will be given to the top male and female racer in each age division for the 5K, 1 mile, and ½ mile swims.

Swimmers under 18 must have a certified swim coach’s prior approval to swim by emailing the race director, Carrie Jacobs (carriemjacobs@gmail.com) upon signup. 

Age group divisions for both men and women:

• Under 18;
• 19-29;
• 30-39;
• 40-49;
• 50-59;
• 60-69;
• and 70+

Safety

Safety is our number one concern. We will update racers on any current precautions and requirements we will be following on race day. Please be prepared for changing weather conditions and prepare accordingly. All athletes will be required to be marked with a number, and wear the cap given to them in their race packet. All athletes are required to attend the pre race meeting to learn about race day water conditions and the course, and what to do in an emergency situation.

Please respect others and conduct yourself with good sportsmanship.

We look forward to seeing you in Whitefish on August 10th!