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

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

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

🏅 Event Options

3.2-Mile Beaufort River Swim: Enjoy a thrilling swim in the river.
1-Mile Swim: A shorter option for those looking to swim less distance.
3.2-Mile Swim/5K Run: Combine swimming and running for a complete experience.
1-Mile Swim/5K Run: A shorter combo of swimming and running.
Relay Option: Timed event but no awards given.

💖 Beneficiary

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

📞 Sponsorship and Donations

If you're 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 and the delayed start for the 1 mile swim allows all swimmers to have a safe event.

📦 Packet Pick-Up

Race bags will be available for pick up on Friday, May 30th at the YMCA at Port Royal from 3:00pm-7:00pm (1801 Richmond Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935) or on the day of the race at the Downtown Marina during check-in. See details in the 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 check-in by 7:15 am. Check-in begins at 6:00 am. 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 7:30 am.

🕒 1 Mile Swim Check-In

Check-in for the 1 Mile Swim starts at 6:30 am. 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 8:00 am.

🏃‍♀️ 5K Run

You can sprint, you can jog, or you can walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery as you run along the waterfront park, cross the Woods Memorial swing bridge, 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 sidewalk and run along the Waterfront park. Runners will finish the race along the seawall in the marked Finish Area. 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

Note that there is NO same day registration – registration ends Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 8:00 pm EST.

📝 Swimming Information

Please read through detailed instructions included in the race bag!

Age Requirement: 1 Mile Swim participants must be at least 10 years old.
Age Requirement: 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: Wet-suits are allowed in either swim but will make you ineligible for awards.
Finish Procedure: 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.