Race Details

SwimRun Cape Cod is a one-day event with three distances. The Long Course race consists of approx. 18 miles of total running and 3 miles of fresh-water swimming across up to 9 bodies of water. The Medium Course has 12 miles of running and 2 miles of swimming across 6 or 7 ponds (depending on current conditions). There is also a Short option: 6 miles of running and 1.25 miles of swimming across three fresh-water ponds. These distances are approximate, as the course frequently changes due to environmental conditions.

Like many swim-run competitions, we welcome solo competitors or teams of two athletes. All registrations for this event must be made in advance. There will be no day-of-race sign-ups. Please note: the 2025 event reached full capacity months before race day.

Athletes park near the finish line in Wellfleet. Long course athletes also start near this point. Medium and Short course athletes travel by shuttle bus to their starting points.

SwimRun Cape Cod was developed for those looking for a new and unique challenge. Race direction is headed by Andy Scherding and Kathleen Walker of New England Endurance Events.

The Long Course race starts at 8am in the village of Wellfleet. Competitors journey to Truro and back; mostly following jeep trails and footpaths. The course is marked with flags, with aid stations and staff at points on the route. All fresh-water bodies of water on Cape Cod are called “ponds”; those used for the longer route are Great, Herring, Snow, Slough, Higgins, Gull, Long, Great, and Dyer. (Final course is subject to change.)

The Medium Course race begins at Ballston Beach in Truro at 9am. After a sandy beach run, racers climb a cliff up the Truro’s highlands. They’ll follow narrow paths to the first water crossing at Snow Pond Afterwards, they will run jeep paths and narrow trails to swim Slough, Higgins, Gull, Long, Great and Dyer. Their final run is along a mix of roads and paths into the village. (Final course is subject to change.)

The Short race is intended to introduce athletes to the swim-run concept and should be comfortably accomplished by those who have completed a sprint, or longer, triathlon. This race departs from near Gull Pond at 10am. Athletes will run one mile to Great Pond, followed by Long and Great.  they will swim 1/2 mile. (Final course is subject to change.)

Run course markings consist of stake flags arranged almost like bread crumbs. Racers are responsible for following these plentiful flags as they run the course. There are some segments where the runners will travel alongside a paved road. All athletes must stay to the side of the road and follow all traffic regulations.

All ponds have sandy entrances/exits. Water temperature is expected to be in the upper 60s or low 70s. Water crossings will be lifeguarded to meet USAT standards. Nutrition and hydration stations as well as portable restrooms will be at the entrance or exit to ponds at five evenly spaced points.

Each athlete must attend the virtual Athlete’s Meeting on Sunday before the race or watch it later on YouTube.

All athletes must wear the race-provided swim caps while swimming. Lost caps will can be replaced at the entrance to each pond. Let the race organizers know in advance if you have a latex allergy.

All solo participants will be provided with bright green “safety swimmer” buoy devices with leash. Wearing a buoy is mandatory by solo racers — although athletes can substitute their own buoy if they wish. All team participants will be “loaned” Restube safety devices which they must wear during the race.

All participants will be provided with number markings for on-course identification by race officials. These will take the place of bibs, and can be worn over any tri suit, swimsuit or wetsuit.

Equipment that is generally accepted at most swim-run events are allowed here. This includes goggles and masks, wetsuits, hand paddles, pull buoys, and specialty swim-run shoes. Note: you do not need to use all of these. Fins are not allowed. As to shoes, some athletes prefer to take off their shoes for the swim segments. Tethers for teams are optional and are not provided.

This is a sustainable event. For example, at aid stations if an athlete takes one of the race-supplied paper cups they must remain at that spot until finished and the cup is disposed of. Consider a soft-flask as part of your equipment list.

If there are intermediate buoys on the swim course (orange), swimmers must pass within 10 yards of that buoy. End points are marked with large yellow triangular buoys.

Teams must remain together throughout the race.

No “friends” or “coaches” are allowed to run or swim with you during the event.