Pre-Race Athlete Briefing

You are invited to join the pre-race athlete briefing the Tuesday before the race.  The Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants.

Watch the 2025 recording here.

Cutoff Times & Competitive Rules

This race is sanctioned by U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS). Therefore, all participants must have an annual membership or purchase a one-event membership.

Cutoff times

15K 1st cutoff point, Halfmoon Lake Beach: 2 hours from the start. 2nd cutoff point, North Star Reach: 4 hours from the start
10K 1st cutoff point, North Star Reach: 3 hours from start
5K: 3 hours from the start 
All swimmers in the water at noon will be picked up.

U.S. Masters Swimming competition rules

U.S. Masters Swimming approved skinsuits

Personal Swim Buoys are allowed, but they MUST be a color other than orange and no larger than 20L (25" x 12").  If you are at the start line with an orange personal swim buoy larger than 20L (25" x 12"), you will not be able to use it in the event.

Swimsuits and accessories:  All swimmers must wear one swimsuit in one or two pieces.  All swimsuits shall be made from textile material and not contain clasps or zippers.  For both men and women, the swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulder nor below the ankles.  Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use webbed gloves, fins, buoyant armbands, or snorkels.

Audio players/Swim Tempo Trainers: Not allowed.

Wetsuits: Only allowed if you are in the non-competitive wetsuit division.

5K Swimmers:  You will pass through a tunnel.  10Kers will swim through it 2 times, 15Kers 3 times, 5Kers 1 time. You will know when you are there. Expect oncoming swimmers.  There will be a lane line down the middle.  Always stay to the right, no passing!  A 5-minute penalty will be given to anybody who passes or attempts to pass in the tunnel or when entering or exiting.

15K Swim Information

Packet pickup will not be available race morning.  See important packet pickup information.

All 15K swimmers have 6 hours to complete the course.  

Cutoff points:
5K at Halfmoon Lake Beach - 2 hours
10K at North Star Reach - 4 hours

Gear Check
You will be given a clear drawstring bag to check your gear at the start line. It will be available to pick up by the finish line. You must use the provided bags, no personal bags will be accepted.

Special Needs Bags
You will be given 2 clear drawstring bags. Please put anything special that you may need in these bags. This can range from Advil to fresh swim goggles to a slice of pizza or whatever you may want at the 5K and 10K turnaround points.  You will leave one bag at Halfmoon Lake Beach and bring the other with you to North Star Reach. Both locations will have receptacles to drop them and they will be available for you if you want them at the turnaround points. You must use the provided bags, no personal bags will be accepted.

10K Swim Information

All 10K swimmers have 5 hours to complete the course.  

Cutoff point:
5K at North Star Reach - 3 hours

Gear Check
You will be given a clear drawstring bag to check your gear at the start line. It will be available to pick up by the finish line. You must use the provided bags, no personal bags will be accepted.

Special Needs Bag
You will be given a second clear drawstring bag. Please put anything special that you may need in this bag. This can range from Advil to fresh swim goggles to a slice of pizza or whatever you may want at the 5K turnaround point.  You will drop the bag in the designated receptacle at Halfmoon Lake Beach and it will be transported to North Star Reach where it will be available to you at the turnaround if you want it. You must use the provided bag, no personal bags will be accepted.