Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

May 17, 2025 

3.2-Mile Beaufort River Swim, 1-Mile Swim and 5k Road Race after either swim distance, or do a relay. Something for everyone!

Scroll down for more information & click Race Info tab to learn all the details!

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE WARDLE FAMILY YMCA'S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM!

Interested in sponsoring the 2025 BRS Please contact Perri Flaherty at p.flaherty@wardleflamilyymca.org or (843) 379-1365.

Saturday, June 8, 2024: Today is the day to hit the water! It’s the Beaufort River Swim! Meet at the downtown Beaufort marina parking lot which is the end point of both swims. This is the staging area for swim and run events today – please look for directional signage for check-in to receive your timing chip and swimmer marking. Parking is free until 11am.

Check-in begins at 5:30 am and the 3.2-mile competitive swim starts at 7:30am with the Fun Swim starts at 8:00am. Please click Race Info tab for additional details regarding check in.

YMCA staff will transport via bus all swimmers to their respective starting points (Safe Harbor Port Royal Marina for the 3.2-Mile swimmers and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock for the 1-Mile swimmers).  YMCA staff will bring your numbered race bag BACK to the downtown marina parking lot where you can retrieve it (please do not leave valuables in your race bag!)

Note that there is no same day registration –registration ends Wednesday May 14, 2025. Swimmers will receive a timing chip, be marked with your number and wear the swim cap supplied in your race bag.

3.2 Mile Swimmers: You must swim up to, onto and run/walk up the boat ramp and over the timing mat to finish the race!

If you are participating in the run, there will be a transition area marked with signage adjacent to the swim finish- keep going!!

There will also be a portable shower area, small towels and water available for all swimmers adjacent to the swim finish line.

Both swims will be WITH the tide (not against it!). Large yellow buoys (how many about) will mark the swim route and the finish at the boat ramp is marked with a large string of pool ‘noodles’ as well as event safety personnel on SUP, kayaks and lifeguards on the day dock.

5K Run: You can sprint, you can jog, or you can walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery as you run along the waterfront part, cross the Woods swing bridge down to Meridian Road, turn around and return the way you came. 

All participants will receive a race bag!

Awards:  Award presentation will be held 2 hours after the swim start for swimmers and 2.5 hours after the swim start for swim/ runners at the downtown marina parking lot area. 

3.2 Mile Beaufort River Swim: Top Female & Male finishers plus top age group finishers

1 mile Swim: Top Female and Male finishers

3.2 miles swim & 5k Run: Top Female and Male finishers plus top age group finishers

1 mile swim & 5k Run: Top Female and Male finishers

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Beaufort River Swim 1-Mile Swim Information:
Date:  Saturday May 17, 2025
1-Mile Swim Start Time: 8am
1-Mile Swim Start Location: Beaufort Memorial Hospital Dock
Check-in Location & Time: Downtown Beaufort Marina starts at 6:30 am

Last bus leaves for 1 mile Swim at 7:30am
Address: 106 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902      

1 Mile Swim participants must be at least 10 years old.

Beaufort River Swim 3.2-Mile Swim Information:
Date:  Saturday May 17, 2025
3.2 Mile Swim Start Time: 7:30
Swim Start Location: Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Dock
Check-in Location & Time: Downtown Beaufort Marina starts at 5:30 am. Last bus leaves for 3.2-Mile Race at 6:45am
Address: 1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902      

3.2 Mile swim participants must be at least 13 years old.

Beneficiaries: YMCA's Learn to Swim Program

To Visit our Fundraising Page & Donate to the 2025 Beaufort River Swim Fundraiser CLICK HERE!

There is no same-day registration! Last day to register is Wednesday May 14, 2025
​Note that participants registered after April 14 are NOT guaranteed to receive a t-shirt; available on a first come, first serve basis for registrants after April 14.
  
Additional Information:

Packet Pick-Up -Race bags pick up:  Pick up day prior May 16 at the YMCA at Port Royal (3 pm - 7 pm)  or day of race at the Downtown Marina at check-in starting at 5:45am
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Race Day Check-In: Downtown Beaufort Marina starting at 5:30 am   All 3.2 Mile Race entrants must checked-in by 6:30am. Please allow at least 15 minutes to check-in on race day! Even if you have picked up your race bag already, you must check-in on race day to get your chip timer and be marked up. Last bus for 3.2-mile swimmers leaves the downtown Beaufort Marina parking lot at 6:45am

Transport to Start: All entrants (and only entrants) who are swimming will be transported to the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing or Beaufort Memorial dock for the race start by the YMCA. YMCA Staff will bring your race bags back to the downtown marina for pick up after the race. They will be marked with your number so remember your number!

Swim Race Course: Our course is the unique estuary called the Beaufort River, starting at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina, winding around the curve, and finishing at the day dock, adjacent to the Beaufort Waterfront Park, with spectators watching the finish line. The course is approximately 3.2 miles swimming with the tide. The water temp is mild to warm, usually upper 70's. The surface wave conditions range from calm to choppy at times depending upon the weather. 

Race Safety: The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will be providing the primary safety for our event. DNR will have boating traffic cut off along the route. A fleet of kayakers and other safety vessels will monitor the course to ensure the swimmers' safety.  Swimmers must follow directions of safety personnel. Please review swim course and running course prior to the event!

Awards: 

Wet-suits: Are allowed in either swim but will make you ineligible for awards.

Fees: Entry Fee is non-refundable including in the event of inclement weather, water conditions or issues beyond our control. Fees include t-shirt, swim cap, and trophy for the winners as noted.