Betterton SwimFest

To be guaranteed a Tshirt entry must be made by March 11, 2026

Brought to you by:

The City of Dover Parks and Recreation

Dave’s Road Bikes

Delaware State University Triathlon

Delaware State University's Women's Triathlon team will host a special clinic with course review, transition tips, and a race briefing with packet pick-up on Friday, April 10th at Schutte Park at 5:00pm

The 2026 course distances will be: Run 1.5 miles, bike 13.5 miles, and then run 1.5 miles again.

The Bear Triathlon is a popular early-season race set in the scenic Lums Pond State Park, offering athletes a fast, flat, and beginner-friendly course. Featuring Sprint, Olympic and Youth distance options, the event delivers an inclusive and energizing race-day atmosphere for both newcomers and seasoned triathletes. The Bear Triathlon has become a go-to kickoff race for athletes across the Mid-Atlantic and is sanctioned by USA Triathlon.​ ALL information about this event can be viewed at https://www.rivalraceseries.com/beartriathlon.

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SPRINT TRIATHLON

750 Meter Swim | 10 Mile Bike | 3 Mile Run

OLYMPIC TRIATHLON

1500 Meter Swim| 23 Mile Bike | 6 Mile Run

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YOUTH TRIATLON

7-8 yr : Swim 50 yards, Bike 2 miles, Run 0.5 mile

9-10 yr : Swim 100 yards, Bike 2 miles, Run 0.5 mile

11-12 yr : Swim 100 yards, Bike 4 miles, Run 1 mile

13-15 yr : Swim 150 yards, Bike 6 miles, Run 1 mile

The Rock Hall Triathlons are nestled on the edge of the Eastern Shore of Maryland in picturesque Kent County and only 18 miles from Baltimore “as the fish swims” (put your bike rack on a boat!). Rock Hall is one of the friendliest, most laid back towns anywhere…and is full of history. George Washington took the Annapolis Ferry to Rock Hall nearly ten times before heading to Philly on horseback to work out America’s Independence! The swim takes place in Rock Hall Harbor on the Chesapeake Bay, protecting athletes from any serious wind or chop. The bike course is a triathlete’s dream with beautiful ribbons of pavement and wide shoulders throughout most of the rural course. The run course is pancake flat and takes athletes through the quaint nautically themed neighborhoods and side roads of Rock Hall, MD.

This race is worth the trip to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Watch last years race video, then register and plan your trip to Rock Hall, MD!

Welcome to the Delaware SwimFest presented by French Creek Racing!

Swimmers can choose an 800m race, 1600m race, or for a challenge - both races!

Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800/1600 meters in open water before entering.

We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78ºF will be wetsuit legal and above 78º will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78ºF will simply compete as an unofficial racer.

Start/finish area is at the caged area near the top of the hill at the Newark Reservoir. GPS address to parking lot is 240 Old Paper Mill Rd., Newark, DE 19711. There are bathrooms at the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Please make sure to use facilities as needed before walking up the hill. Additional/overflow parking is located at Timothy's, 100 Creek View Rd., Newark, DE 19711.

Register today for your choice of races!

FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in groups at specified wave start times. The first swimmers will begin at 6:00 PM. Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 30 minute intervals, including the main "party" heat at 7:30PM. 1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 7:00PM.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day. Registration is also available on site for an additional $5 fee. You will select your wave start time during the registration process. If you need to change your start wave, please email us. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish area prior to your wave start time. When you arrive, check in at our table. You'll get body marked and you'll receive a swim cap. A bright colored cap or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers. Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB.

REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event.

The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course.

SWIM FINISH: These races will be timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating finish banner.

Prizes

Custom awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/26) to claim their awards.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguaurds, kayakers, and much more. Please contact erin@frenchcreekracing.com to help out, or simply register as a volunteer!

There will be one nutrition/hydration table near the reservoir entrance (caged area at the top of the hill). We will have water, Gatorade, and Hammer gels at this table. Some light pre-packaged food and beverages will be available for post-race.

Midway between Baltimore and Philadelphia, this race is staged out of beautiful Perryville Community Park in Perryville, Maryland which is truly a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough. Nestled on forested bluffs overlooking the top of the Chesapeake Bay this park makes for the epicenter of a great race. The swim takes place in the Chesapeake Bay and features an in water start off the dock. The Sprint bike course is a rolling out and back course while the Olympic bike course is technical with a mix of suburbia, rolling farm country and a fast, flat drag strip along River Road. The run course is mostly flat and winds its way along the Chesapeake Bay on sidewalks and back roads. This event is not to be missed and Cecil County is a great area to explore. Sailing, hiking, dining and more can be found minutes from the race site, you can learn more HERE.

Be sure to check out our race video HERE, then sign up below!

****All athletes must stay in the park until the bike route is clear of incoming bikes. If you must leave prior to the bike course being clear you MUST park outside the park at the fire department lot, approximately 1.35 mile from the race site. If you park inside the park, all cars will be “locked in” until the police deem the roads safe to allow cars to exit. Our goal is a safe race for ALL athletes and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.