The 20th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

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Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay St, Beaufort SC

Saturday, June 6th, 2026

🏊‍♂️ Event Details

Saturday, June 6, 2026

3.2-Mile Beaufort River Swim
1-Mile Swim
3.2-Mile Swim/5K Run
1-Mile Swim/5K Run
Relay Option: Timed Event but No Awards Given

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

📞 Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring or donating to the 2026 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. The course is approximately 3.2 miles swimming with the tide. The water temp is mild to warm, usually mid 70's. The surface wave conditions range from calm to choppy at times depending upon the weather. Our 1 mile course follows this same path, but begins at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Dock. Both swims finish at the same location.

📦 Packet Pick-Up

Race bags will be available for pick up on Friday, June 5th at the YMCA at Port Royal from 3:00pm-7:00pm (1801 Richmond Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935) or day of race at the Downtown Marina during check-in. See details in email sent out prior to race day.

Race Day: Meet at the Downtown Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina (1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902) starting at 6:00 am. This is the end point for both swims as well as the staging area for swim/run events. Both swims require all swimmers to check in prior to boarding the buses. Swimmers should NOT meet at the starting point. YMCA staff will transport swimmers via bus to their respective starting points (Safe Harbor Port Royal Marina for the 3.2-Mile swimmers and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock for the 1-Mile swimmers). YMCA staff will bring your numbered race bag back to the downtown marina where swimmers can retrieve it after the race (please do not leave valuables in your race bag).

⏰ Check-In Times

All 3.2 Mile Race entrants must be checked-in by 7:15am. Check in begins at 6:00am. Please allow at least 15 minutes to check-in on race day! Even if you have already picked up your race bag, you must check-in on race day to receive your chip timer and body markings. You must wear the assigned swim cap in your race bag. Last bus for 3.2-mile swimmers leaves the downtown Beaufort Marina parking lot at 8:30am.

Check in for the 1 Mile Swim starts at 6:30am. Please allow at least 15 minutes to check-in on race day! Even if you have already picked up your race bag, you must check-in on race day to receive your chip timer and body markings. You must wear the assigned swim cap in your race bag. Last bus for 1 Mile swimmers leaves the downtown Beaufort Marina parking lot at 9:00am.

🏃‍♀️ 5K Run Details

Please note that the race course will be altered this year due to the closure of the waterfront area. You can sprint, you can jog, or you can walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery. Due to renovations of the waterfront park, the route will be slightly different than in previous years. You will leave the parking area along the brick path behind the shops and run along it until you reach the Woods Memorial swing bridge, cross the bridge and turn right down Meridian Road, turn around at the marked turn station and return the way you came. The race will require runners to exit the transition zone over to the brick path directly behind the buildings. Runners will return the same way they came finishing the race under the arch in the parking lot. Please note that due to the nature of this race, Woods Memorial Bridge is not closed down and runners will be on the sidewalk. There is a small chance the bridge can open during this time, and runners will be required to stop.

🚫 Registration Information

Note that there is NO same day registration – registration ends Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 8:00pm EST.

🛡️ Swimming Information

Please read through detailed instructions included in the race bag!

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 are not permitted due to safety protocols.
Wet-suits: Allowed in either swim but will make you ineligible for awards.
Finish Requirement: You must swim up to, onto and run/walk up the boat ramp and over the timing mat to finish the race.
Facilities: There will also be a portable shower area, small towels and water available for all swimmers.
Swim Route: Both swims will be WITH the tide. Large yellow buoys will mark the swim route. The finish at the boat ramp is marked with a large string of pool ‘noodles’ as well as event safety personnel on SUP, kayaks and lifeguards on the day dock.

Participants registered after April 28th are NOT guaranteed to receive a t-shirt: available on a first come, first serve basis for registrants after April 28th.

🏆 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.

🥇 Bobbleheads

3.2 mile Beaufort River Swim: Top Female & Male finishers plus top age group finishers
1 mile swim: Top Female and Male finishers
3.2 miles swim & 5k Run: Top Female and Male finishers
1 mile swim & 5k Run: Top Female and Male finishers

🛡️ Race Safety

The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will be providing the primary safety for our event. A fleet of kayakers and other safety vessels will monitor the course to ensure the swimmers' safety. Swimmers must follow directions of safety personnel. Please review swim course and running course prior to the event! No headphones/ear buds/swim enhancing equipment are allowed during the swim portion of the race.

💵 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. Swimmers will still be able to pick up their race bags in the event of a cancellation.