River Day SwimFest and SwimRun
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River Day SwimFest and SwimRun
River Day SwimFest and SwimRun take place at 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA, on the Schuylkill River. Parking is available in the lot at that address; no parking is permitted in front of the launch area. From the lot, participants walk south away from the Schuylkill River Trail down the asphalt path, cross the road, turn left and walk downstream (east) about 200 yards to the launch on the right. No restroom facilities are onsite; the nearest restroom is at the Betzwood trailhead parking lot about 600 meters away.
Event races and formats include:
- 5K Open Water Swim (3 loops)
- 1 Mile Open Water Swim (1 loop)
- 800 Meter Open Water Swim (1 loop)
- SwimRun format: 800m swim, 5K run, 800m swim
- 5K Relay (3 x 1 mile)
Organizers will not provide hydration stops on the 1 mile or 800 meter courses, and no organized hydration will be provided for the 5K; participants may place personal nutrition near the start/finish and 1 and 2 mile marks but should avoid the floating dock. Escort kayakers are permitted and several kayak and boat supports will be on the course. The SwimRun uses a small, unfenced transition area where only swim and run splits are recorded; a course aid station near the swim exit will be passed multiple times during the run.
Wetsuit policy follows the USAT temperature thresholds: wetsuit wearers will not be counted in official results if water temperature exceeds 78°F, and wetsuits are not allowed above 84°F. Races occur in a river subject to flow and runoff; events will be held rain or shine and will be postponed only for lightning or for water quality concerns due to stormwater runoff, with a final decision made three hours before the first heat. Approximately 10 to 12 volunteers are needed for roles such as kayakers and lifeguards. Custom overall and age-group awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in overall and 10-year age divisions. No refunds are issued; transfers may be allowed if requested at least seven days in advance and deferrals may be offered if the race is cancelled for inclement weather. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
