The 21st Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

The 21st Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

Date: Saturday, May 22, 2027

Location: 1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC

Event Options:

• 3.2-Mile Swim: A scenic swim in Beaufort River.
• 1-Mile Swim: A shorter option for swimmers.
• 3.2-Mile Swim/5K Run: Combine both for a fun challenge.
• 1-Mile Swim/5K Run: Enjoy both swimming and running.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE WARDLE FAMILY YMCA'S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM!

Sponsorship and Donations

Interested in sponsoring or donating to the 2027 Beaufort River Swim, please contact Perri Flaherty at p.flaherty@wardleflamilyymca.org or (843) 379-1365.

Swim Race Course

Our 3.2 mile course is the unique estuary called the Beaufort River, starting at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina, winding around the curve, and finishing at the day dock, adjacent to the Beaufort Waterfront Park, with spectators watching the finish line.

• Course Length: Approximately 3.2 miles swimming with the tide.
• Water Temperature: Mild to warm, usually mid 70's.
• Conditions: Surface wave conditions range from calm to choppy.
• Start Point: 1 mile course begins at Beaufort Memorial Hospital Dock.

Packet Pick-Up

Race bags will be available for pick up at the Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal (1801 Richmond Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935) starting Friday May 21st at 5pm until 7pm. Race bags will also be available for pick up at the Downtown Marina during check-in Saturday morning starting at 6am.

Race Day Details

Meet at the Downtown Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina (1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC) starting at 6:00 am. All 3.2 Mile Swim entrants must be checked in by 7:30am. Check in begins at 6:00am.

• Check-In: Must check-in on race day.
• Swimmer Transport: YMCA staff will transport swimmers via bus.
• No Valuables: Please do not leave valuables in your race bag.
• Check-In Timing: 1 Mile Swim check-in starts at 6:30am.

5K Run

Please note that the race course will be altered this year due to the closure of the waterfront area. You can sprint, jog, or walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery.

• Course Changes: Read all course materials carefully.
• Transition Area: Start along the brick path and follow directions.
• Finish Line: Located back past the transition area.
• Bridge Note: Runners will be on the sidewalk of Woods Memorial Bridge.

Registration Information

Note that there is NO same day registration – registration ends Wednesday May 19, 2027 at 8:00pm EST.

Swimming Information

• Age Requirements: 1 Mile Swim participants must be at least 10 years old: 3.2 Mile swim participants must be at least 13 years old.
• Equipment: Headphones and swim enhancing equipment are not permitted.
• Wetsuits: Allowed but make participants ineligible for awards.
• Finish Requirement: Must swim up and over the timing mat to finish.

Awards

Awards presentation will be held 2 hours after the swim start for swimmers and 2.5 hours after the swim start for swim/runners at the downtown marina parking lot area.

• 3.2 Mile Swim: Overall finishers and top age group finishers.
• 1 Mile Swim: Overall 3 Female and 3 Male finishers.
• 3.2 Mile Swim & 5K Run: Overall 3 Female and 3 Male finishers.
• 1 Mile Swim & 5K Run: Overall 3 Female and 3 Male finishers.

Race Safety

The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will be providing primary safety for our event. Swimmers must follow directions of safety personnel.

Fees

Entry Fee is non-refundable including in the event of inclement weather, water conditions or issues beyond our control. In the event of a cancellation, Beaufort Search & Rescue will make the final call.

More Information

For further details, visit Beaufort River Swim Registration.