The 20th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

🏊‍♂️ The 20th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

🏅 Event Options

• 3.2-Mile Beaufort River Swim: Join us for the longest swim option.
• 1-Mile Swim: A shorter swim for those looking for a challenge.
• 3.2-Mile Swim/5K Run: Combine swimming and running for extra fun.
• 1-Mile Swim/5K Run: A great mix for an enjoyable day.
• Relay Option: Timed event but no awards given.

💖 Charity Focus

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

📞 Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are 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: Available for pick up on Friday, June 5th at the YMCA at Port Royal from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
• Race Day Check-in: Starts at 6:00 AM at the Downtown Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina (1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902).
• Transportation: Swimmers will be transported via bus to their starting points.
• Check-in Deadline: All 3.2 Mile Race entrants must be checked-in by 7:15 AM.

🏃 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, jog, or walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery. The route will be slightly different than in previous years. Runners will exit the transition zone over to the brick path behind the buildings and finish under the arch in the parking lot.

⏳ Registration Deadlines

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

📋 Swimming Information

• Age Requirement: 1 Mile Swim participants must be at least 10 years old: 3.2 Mile participants must be at least 13.
• Safety Protocols: Equipment and headphones are not permitted.
• Wet-suits: Allowed but will make you ineligible for awards.
• Finish Line: You must swim and run/walk up the boat ramp 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.

🚑 Race Safety

The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will provide primary safety for our event. Please review the swim and running course prior to the event!

💰 Fees

Entry Fee is non-refundable including in the event of inclement weather or issues beyond our control. Swimmers will still be able to pick up their race bags in the event of a cancellation.

🔗 More Information

For more details, visit Beaufort River Swim.