Can anyone participate?

Swim the Loop (3.5 miles) is for intermediate to advanced swimmers and is considered an endurance event. The distance exceeds 5K (3.1 miles), and with tide changes and time cut-offs, novice swimmers may find this swim challenging for their level.

Motts Channel Sprint (1.3 miles) is meant for beginner to advanced swimmers. The distance is 1.3 miles and can take anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes to complete. The tide change is not as noticeable in this swim, making it easier than Swim the Loop.

What are the risks involved?

There is no thick black line to follow on this course, and the water is not clear, so please use caution. Respect the water and the water will respect you. All sorts of marine life live in the waters you will be swimming in. You will be guided along the safest route around Harbor Island or point to point. Swimming off course can put you in shallow, marshy water or in close contact with docks and pilings; shallow water, docks and pilings have barnacles and oysters that can hurt you. If you need to rest or need aid, raise your hand and help will come. In the event of inclement or dangerous weather, the race will be canceled and/or swimmers will be pulled from the water. Safety always comes first.

How is the course marked, and are there aid stations?

The course is marked with 60-inch round orange sight buoys, which can be passed on either side. There will be an anchored boat at miles 1, 2 and 3 with water, gels and Gatorade. There will be at least one kayaker or SUPer (stand-up paddle boarder) between each buoy. One kayaker or SUPer will be with the lead swimmer and another with the last swimmer.

Can I wear a wetsuit?

This will be determined race week. The race director will make the call based on water temperature and weather. If the water temperature drops below 74°F, wetsuits will most likely be allowed.

What weather conditions and water temperatures can I expect on race day?

Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are beautiful in September and October. The race takes place on Sunday, October 11. Hurricane season does not end until November 30, so conditions can change quickly. The average air temperature is 75°F with an average water temperature of 77–80°F. The average wind speed is 5–10 mph, usually out of the southwest. Race-morning sunrise and tide times are in the Swim the Loop Course & Tide Guide.

Does this race benefit any organization?

Yes. A portion of race proceeds goes to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. The Flotilla serves the recreational boating safety needs of the New Bern and Oriental, NC area, focusing on public education, vessel safety inspections, providing trained coxswains, crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard on local waterways, emergency response and assistance, and supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s operational, marine safety, administrative and logistical requirements.

When is packet pick-up?

Packet pick-up is Saturday, October 10, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Dockside Restaurant. Late packet pick-up is Sunday morning from 6:15–7:45 AM. At packet pick-up you will receive your pre-race bag with your race cap, timing chip, race shirt and swag.

Event information and updates will be emailed to all registered swimmers prior to race day.

Is the pre-race meeting mandatory?

No. Since we went virtual, we highly recommend you watch our pre-race video, and if you have questions, ask them.

What if the race is canceled?

If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, whether before race weekend or the morning of, no refunds will be issued. Registered swimmers will receive a 50% credit toward the 2027 race.

What is the refund policy?

We do not allow rollovers to future years’ races, but you can transfer your entry to another person.

• Refund amount is based on the time of request and the base entry fee paid, less a $5 administrative fee.
• Full refund (minus $5): through 6/15/26 at 11:59 PM
• Half refund (minus $5): 6/15/26 through 8/01/26 at 11:59 PM
• No refunds after 8/01/26

What are the awards like?

• Top 3 overall males
• Top 3 overall masters males (40 and above)
• Top 3 overall females
• Top 3 overall masters females (40 and above)

What is the minimum age to participate?

Swim the Loop (3.5 miles): The minimum age is 16. Swimmers aged 16–17 need parental consent, which is part of the waiver and release form. Your age classification is determined by your actual age on race day (10/11/26).

Motts Channel Sprint (1.3 miles): Open to all novice, intermediate and advanced swimmers aged 11 and older. Age classification is based on your actual age on race day (10/11/26).

How can I volunteer?

We need skilled kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders. We also need general volunteers for race management at Dockside Restaurant. Sign up to volunteer here.