2026 Open Water Series Race #1

French Creek Racing presents the first race of our series of 6 open water swimming races throughout the summer.

 

You MUST be registered for the FULL SERIES to be eligible for series points and awards.

 

2026 race dates are: 5/5, 6/2, 6/23, 7/21, 8/4, and 8/25.  (Click on dates to register individually for each race.)

 

Each race will be scheduled on Tuesday afternoon/evening with Thursday as a rain date.  For all dates, we are offering both a 800m and 1600m series option.

 

Race address: 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA.  This GPS address will get you to the parking lot.  From the lot, walk the short paved path toward the river and make a left until you see our launch/starting point.  We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge.  Absolutely no parking in front of our launch area.

 

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.

 

FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times. The first swimmers will begin at 5:00 PM.  Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 30 minute intervals, including the main "party" heat at 6:30PM.  1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 6:00PM.

 

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 dock prior to your wave start time.  Please do not swim downstream on the race course and remain within sight of the starting platform. 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.

 

All "Full Series" racers registered by 4/4 will receive a series t-shirt, and a custom award.

 

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.

 

Check out the most accurate water conditions at this location here. Open Water Series Events are subject to cancellation or change due to weather (lightning, water quality, etc.).  For the most up to date information on our location and schedule, join our Facebook Group. 

 

Directions to Norristown Location:
From Trooper Rd. exit of 422, head toward the Betzwood trailhead on Trooper Rd.  Make a left at the "T" to go under 422.  Make another left to the parking lot and walk the short paved path to the starting point.  We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge.

 

The 800m swim course will start slightly upriver, then about 390 meters downriver, returning upriver to the finish line.  For more details, please review our Swim Course Map.  The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course.

 

SWIM FINISH: These races will be hand timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating dock start/finish.

 

It is suggested that swimmers bring their own pre-race food and drinks.  If there is anything you need, please bring it from home!
Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite.  Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive.  The nearest bathroom facility is at the Betzwood trailhead, about 600 meters from our launch point.  No changing room on site.

 

PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
OPEN WATER SERIES EVENT OCCUR IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS.  All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Generally, we will use www.phillyrivercast.org as a guideline of water quality. Ultimately, we will make a call by 12 noon and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. Rain dates are typically Thursday of the same week, unless we post otherwise. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim.  WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED.  THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!

 

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!