The Wilmette Open Water Swim Race 2021

101 Lake Ave,Wilmette IL 60091

19 June, 2021

Description

The Wow Race 2021 - We're Back! Join us for the third annual Wilmette Open Water (WOW) swim. A fully supported one-mile open water swim race.Saturday, June 19th for a 7:00 a.m. start | In the waters of Lake Michigan, just off of Wilmette's Gillson Beach.No sharks, No salt, Occasionally frozen.Each registration includes one official entry, race swim cap, event beach towel, and total bragging rights! Your timing chip, official race swim cap, and towel will be available as you check in on race morning. All check-in will be done at the NEW Gillson Beach House. There will also be time to warm up in the water, prior to the 7:00 a.m. start. No refunds, exchanges, or transfers. Any questions? Just write to [email protected] and we'll respond quickly. Swim Race Day Details:Parking Free car and bike parking is available in the Gillson Beach Parking lot. Take Lake Avenue east of Sheridan Road and follow it down into the lot. Swimmer Check-In All swimmers must check-in between 6:15 and 6:45 a.m. to receive chips, body marking, and your official swim cap. You will also be placed in one of two swim waves. We'll be on-site as early as 6:00 a.m. if you really want to get a jump on it. All pre-registered swimmer check-in and walk-up registration will be at the Gillson Beach House. Day of registration is available at 6:15 a.m. at the event, with a $15 premium. This can be payable by check or credit card. Walk-Up Registration will close at 6:45 a.m. No exceptions. Warm-Up Water will be open by 6:45 a.m. for warm-ups. Mandatory Pre-race Talk 6:50 a.m. for everyone. The Start The WOW swim will begin from a standing start in the water. The first wave starts at 7:00 a.m. The second wave starts at 7:10 a.m. The Course This is a one-mile out-and-back swim. The course will be clearly marked. Your swim will be fully supported on water and on land. All swimming levels are welcome. You will swim the entire race with the swim buoys on your right and exit the swim with a large buoy on your left. Wetsuits Totally welcome. Your call. Your final time will reflect wetsuit/non-wetsuit. If you are wearing a wetsuit, we'll ask you to check-in with the race's timing director, once you have your chip, so that your time will reflect a wetsuit time. The Official Towel We'll have it waiting for you as you leave the water. Congratulations! Much more cozy than a medal. Conditions We anticipate great weather and water conditions at this point in the week. As you know, conditions can change quickly. Race directors will make the swim/no swim call as soon as there is visibility on race morning. Should conditions be too cold or difficult, you'll receive a text message calling the event off. We're confident you'll get a great swim in on Saturday! Spectators The more the merrier! Come join us on the beach to cheer the swimmers on. Bring your cowbell. The WOW swim race course outline is below. The start will be just off of the sailing beach. The swim will go south toward the jetty/rocks, turn and finish near the start at the sailing beach. You'll keep the buoys on your right at all times on the way out and back. Good sighting options in both directions. You'll all have very bright neon caps that will NOT be the same color as the buoys. Once you reach the final buoy, you'll see the exit shoot and you're back on the beach through the timing corral. Welcome back and congratulations. COVID-19 Protocol At time of event, please maintain safe social distancing and remain masked out of water. The course may be slightly adjusted, based on existing conditions. Please use this for reference: Hosted By Ouilmette Foundation for the Parks [email protected] (Photo credits to Matthew Gilson)