Copy of Committee for the Great Salt Pond - Swim 11

Waterman Eco-Challenge & Summer Safe Ocean State 5K/10K

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026

Founded in 2011, the Waterman Eco-Challenge & Summer Safe Ocean State 5K/10K is an annual multisport festival supporting charities focused on drowning prevention, cancer support, cardiac health, and coastal sustainability. The event features running, swimming, and paddleboard races.

Watch 2024 Highlight Video

Events:

• 5K Run or Walk

• 10K Run

• 400 Meter Kids Swim

• 1 Mile or 5K Swim

• 3 Mile or 6 Mile Paddle

• Eco-Challenger (5K Run + 1 Mile Swim + 3 Mile Paddle)

• Ultimate Challenger (10K Run, 5K Mile Swim, 6 Mile Paddle)

Ocean Swim:

New England's only open-water swim meet dual sanctioned by USA Swimming and U.S. Masters Swimming. This meet offers three race distances, individual and cumulative time relay competitions, a team points competition, and non-wetsuit (awards eligible) and wetsuit (no awards) divisions.

• Open Water Meet Announcement - click to view

• Details & sanction requirements

• Shareable link: https://bit.ly/wec-owmeetannouncement26

• Coach Attestion Form - click to view

• Required for all swimmers age 12 & under

• Individual Event Age Groups:

• 5K Swim: 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

• 1-Mile Swim: 9-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

• 400-Meter Swim: 12 & under

• Relay Age Groups (sum of the 3 swimmers’ ages):

• 5K swim: 33-51, 52-117, 118-179, 180+

• 1-mile swim: 27-51, 52-117, 118-179, 180+

• 400-meter swim: 36 & under

Key Dates:

• February - Early Registration Opens

• April 15 - Early Registration Discount Ends

• April 16 - Full Price Registration Begins

Tentative Schedule:

• 6:30 AM - Parking Lot & 5K/10K Run Check-In Open

• 7:00 AM - Swim & Paddle Check-In Opens

• 7:00 AM - Run/Walk Entries Close

• 7:15 AM - Run/Walk Races Start

• 8:00 AM - Swim Individual Race Entries Close

• 8:30 AM - Swim Check-In & Relay Entries Closes

• 8:40 AM - Mandatory Swimmer Briefing

• 9:00 AM - Swim Races Start

• 11:00 AM - Paddle Race Entries Closes

• 11:30 AM - Paddle Races Start 11:30am

• 11:45 AM - Swim Awards Ceremony

• 3:00 PM - Public Event Area Closes

Parking:

Regular state beach parking rates apply. Season passes will be honored. Rhode Island resident day parking $7. Non-resident day parking $14. Senior resident $3.50. Senior non-resident $7. Parking rates are set by the State of Rhode Island and subject to change.

THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 500 WHO REGISTER.

IT MAY SELL OUT!

The Island's largest and most popular race begins with a 1/4 mile open water ocean swim; followed by 12 miles of biking over rolling hills with breathtaking views of the island. The last stretch is a 4 mile run on beautiful Crescent Beach.

Questions? Call Dave or Mac 401-466-3223. email: [email protected].

Event details and schedule

The race begins at 9:00 a.m.There is a 6:00am boat departing Point Judith race morning. If you aren't on the island Friday night, you will be required to take this boat. Please don't forget to buy a ticket for your bike. If you plan on being on island Friday night, make reservations now. If the ferry is cancelled race day, or there is severe weather; the race will be cancelled. Race fee is non-refundable.

Roads are NOT closed during the bike portion.

Helmets for the bike portion of the race are MANDATORY!!!!

Anyone not wearing a helmet for ANY portion of the bike segment will be disqualified!!!

There will be NO day of registration. The last day to register for this event will be Thursday July 31st online only!

Packet pickup will be held from 5 to 6 Friday July 31st and on Saturday August 1st from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at Fred Benson Town Beach

Covid restrictions may be in place at the time of the race. All participants must follow the established Covid protocols that are in place at race time or they will not be allowed to participate

To purchase Ferry Tickets for the 6 a.m. ferry go to:

www.blockislandferry.com

Tickets for the special charter go on sale a few weeks before the race, check the website for availabilty.

This boat is a special charter and wont be on their normal schedule

Connecticut's Oldest Shoreline Road Race! The Ocean Beach Kelley Half Marathon is ran over a well marked/supported road course with panoramic vistas of Long Island Sound and rural roads in the City of New London and Town of Waterford. Starting and finishing at Beautiful Ocean Beach Park. The race is FREE, runners are asked to bring a donation of food for the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center. Mylaps Chip Timing by SNERRO, awards in all standard age divisions, Team Competition, the Famous 'Port and Starboard Clam Chowder', Ice Cold Coca Cola Products, pre/post race physical therapy, Live Music, Huge Raffle, Finisher Medals, plus a lot more. Don't forget your swim suit, 3/4 mile long Sugar Sand Beach and Boardwalk!

For 6 weeks, young athletes across Rhode Island and Massachusetts have been swimming, biking, and running toward this one incredible goal!

This finale event brings together participants from Race4Chase programs across both states to celebrate their hard work, determination, and confidence gained throughout the summer. It’s more than a race, it’s a powerful celebration of youth achievement, healthy living, and community support.

While this event is exclusively for Race4Chase participants and not open to public registration, we need enthusiastic volunteers to help make it a safe, smooth, and unforgettable experience for every child crossing that finish line.