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 Swim: Experience the Beaufort River.
• 1-Mile Swim: Shorter option available.
• 3.2-Mile Swim/5K Run: Combine swimming and running.
• 1-Mile Swim/5K Run: A mix of both events.

Or Relay Option (Timed Event but No Awards Given).

💰 Charity Support

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

✉️ Contact for Sponsorship

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 3:00pm-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 Location: Meet at the Downtown Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina (1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902) starting at 6:00 am.
• Check-In: All swimmers must check in prior to boarding the buses.
• Transportation: YMCA staff will transport swimmers via bus to their respective starting points.

⏰ Check-in Deadlines

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!

Check in for the 1 Mile Swim starts at 6:30am. Please allow at least 15 minutes to check-in on race day!

🏃 5K Run

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. The route will be slightly different than in previous years and notice will be given on race day regarding possible interruptions at the Woods Memorial Bridge.

🔒 Registration Information

Note that there is NO same day registration – registration ends Wednesday June 3, 2026 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: Equipment and headphones are not permitted due to safety protocols.
• Wet-suits: Allowed but make you ineligible for awards.
• Finish Criteria: You must swim up to, onto and run/walk up the boat ramp and over the timing mat to finish the race.

🏆 Awards

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

👮 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!

💵 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 more details, visit the event page: Beaufort River Swim Event.