Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

Event Overview

This is the 20th annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run. It is a multi-sport event offering several race options combining swimming and running in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Distances and Formats

The event includes the following options:

• 3.2-mile Beaufort River Swim
• 1-mile Swim
• 3.2-mile Swim & 5K Run (single participant)
• 1-mile Swim & 5K Run (single participant)
• Relay options for both the 3.2-mile and 1-mile swim combined with the 5K run. Relay events are timed but no awards are given.

Course Details

The swim courses take place in the Beaufort River estuary. The 3.2-mile swim starts at Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina and finishes at a day dock adjacent to Beaufort Waterfront Park. Swimmers go with the tide. The 1-mile swim follows the same finishing path but begins at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Dock.

The 5K run course is altered for this edition due to waterfront park renovations. It starts from the transition zone, follows a brick path, crosses the Woods Memorial swing bridge onto Meridian Road, turns around at a marked station, and returns the same way to finish under an arch in the parking lot. The bridge remains open to traffic during the run.

Participant Information

Age requirements are 10 years old for the 1-mile swim and 13 years old for the 3.2-mile swim. Equipment and headphones are not permitted for safety. Wetsuits are allowed but make participants ineligible for awards.

Registration ends on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. There is no same-day registration. Packet pickup is available the day before the race or on race day during check-in at designated locations.

Proceeds and Awards

All event proceeds benefit the Wardle Family YMCA's Learn to Swim program.

Awards, including bobbleheads, are given for top finishers in various categories. The awards presentation takes place at the downtown marina parking lot area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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