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Emerald City Open Water Swim

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This year's event | History

27th Annual Emerald City Open Water Swim

Saturday, August 20, 2011
Andrews Bay, Lake Washington (Seward Park)
This event includes a ½ mile straight course and the 1 mile triangle course.

Certified lifeguards will be in the water to supervise the swim. Swimmers 17 and under must have parental approval to participate. Minimum age is 10 years.

REGISTRATION

Early-bird Special: $25 Youth, Senior, Sp. Pop/, $30 Adult
After August 13: $40 Youth, Senior, Sp. Pop/, $45 Adult

Mail in entries must be received no later than 8/13/11

Register online:
» ½ Mile Race
» 1 Mile Race
» Both Races

Download a Registration Form
» registration form

Race Day Information

Check-in stations open at 7:30 a.m.
The 1/2 mile event will begin at 9:00am sharp
The 1 mile course immediately following the 1/2 mile event.
There is a 30 minute time limit for the ½ mile event and a 1 hour limit for the mile event.
Post race refreshments and hot drinks will be available for swimmers.
Awards program follows the Mile Swim

Directions

Take the Swift/Albro Exit off I-5 and head east up South Graham Street. At the top of the hill take a left onto Beacon Ave. South. Take a right on S. Orcas Street. Follow S. Orcas eastbound until you reach Lake Washington Boulevard. Seward Park is directly in front of you.

Parking lot space is limited. Additional parking directly up hill from lower parking lot.

Results

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HISTORY

The Emerald City Open Water Swim was the first event of its kind in the Seattle area. Dave Gertsch saw the need for an open water swim in Seattle after participating in similar events in California. He organized the first Emerald City Open Water Swim in August of 1984. In the events first year there were approximately 100 participants. Since then the swim has had as many as 500 swimmers. The swim has developed into a family event with entertainment, awards, and door prizes following the swim. There is at least one family who has three generations of swimmers who compete together each year. Participants enjoy trying to find the year of the swim, which is hidden in the T-shirt design, each year. Reportedly, the weirdest door prize awarded at the event was a free tattoo!

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Updated September 8, 2011

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