VBLA 2026 Ocean Swim Series Race 2: 3K or Mile

In 1999, The Allen Stone Braveheart Memorial Races started as the Braveheart Run Swim Run, to benefit the American Heart Association. Allen Stone, a local Navy SEAL, and friend of the race committee, raced and won his age group. Tragically, Allen died in a SEAL training accident just a few months later. The race committee decided to rename the race in Allen's memory. Since then, the race has added a 5K and a kids 1 mile race to have something for everyone in the family.

This event has raised over $1 million for our charities, the Navy SEAL Foundation, Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Association while honoring those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.

THE TIDEWATER STRIDERS ANNUAL PICNIC

FOR ALL CLUB MEMBERS – FAMILIES INVITED

Please join us at the Home of Dan Edwards for a great club fun-social event.

1585 Lake James Dr., Virginia Beach, VA

Event Details:

4pm

Waterfront Open for Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and/or run the 2-Mile loop around the lake

Bring your own play gear or use ours --- Beverages & Snacks available

5pm: Food is served!

Please bring your favorite dish to share:

Last names from A-M bring a side dish or salad, N-Z bring a dessert

Drinks and cookout food provided by our club

The VBLA Ocean Swim Series 5K or Mile Swim ends a summer of racing for the series participants. The 5K is a challenge for swimmers ready to set big goals and achieve them, while the 1-Mile option tests improvement from the first &/or second race (noting that conditions, tides and wind make every race different) The VBLA Swim Series is meant for experienced ocean racers and novice open water swimmers alike. Come find out how much fun it is to race without lane lines to guide you among a community of motivated swimmers ready to race and enjoy open water fun together.

5K

Start: 4th Street

Mandatory Water Stop: 14th Street prior to the Pier, reentry 15th Street north of the Pier.

Finish: 42nd Street

Mile

Start: 27th Street

Finish: 42nd Street