SwimRun Cape Cod

Run course markings consist of “marker flags” — the kind you might see temporarily planted by a utility company or a landscaper, consisting of thin wire stakes with a small flag atop. Racers are responsible for following the plentiful flags as they run the course. There are some segments where the runners will travel alongside a paved road. All athletes must stay to the side of the road and follow all traffic regulations.

All ponds have sandy entrances/exits. Water temperature is expected to be in the low 70s. Water crossings will be lifeguarded to meet USAT standards. Nutrition and hydration stations as well as portable restrooms will be at the entrance or exit to ponds at five evenly spaced points.

Racers will embark on a combination run/swim effort (9 miles of running, 1.25 of swimming, across seven legs) through the Cape Cod National Seashore lands in Truro and Wellfleet. The runners will be following existing footpaths and both dirt and paved roads, with the last run leg entirely on paved roads:

• Run #1: Truro Highlands, 3 miles

• Swim #1: Snow Pond, 100 yards

• Run #2: Fire Roads, 1 mile
• Swim #2: Slough Pond, 1/4 mile
• Run #3: Jeep Trails, 1/2 mile
• Swim #3: Higgins Pond, 1/8 mile
• Run #4: Path, 100 yards

• Swim #4: Gull Pond, 1/2 mile

• Run #5: Paved and DirtRoads, 1 mile

• Swim #5: Long Pond, 1/2 mile

• Run 6: Paved Roads, 1 1/2 miles

• Swim #6: Great Pond, 1/8 mile

• Run 7: Paved and Dirt Roads, 1 mile

• Swim #7: Dyer Pond, 1/6 mile
• 1 mile Trail run to finish at Wellfleet Elementary School

Racers will start and finish at the Wellfleet Elementary School. Athletes will encounter 3 water crossings.

Distance: 3.5 miles of running, 0.75 miles of swimming.

• Run #1: Long Pond Rd., 1 mile
• Swim #1: Long Pond, 1/2 mile
• Run #2: Long Pond/Cahoon Hallow Rd, 1 mile
• Swim #2: Great Pond, 1/8 mile
• Run #3: Forrest Rd/Way 623, 1/4 mile
• Swim #3: Dyer Pond, 1/6 mile
• Run #4: Fire Roads/Long Pond Rd, 1 mile

SwimRun Cape Cod is a largely self-supported race. Like many swim-run competitions, we welcome solo competitors or teams of two athletes. 

The Super-Short race is intended to introduce athletes to the swim-run concept and should be easily accomplished by those who have accomplished a sprint triathlon.

Teams must remain together throughout the race. Tethers are allowed for the run only, but are not mandatory.

This will be a small race in its first year, with a deliberately limited field of 100 competitors. 

Each athlete must attend the virtual Athlete's Meeting the Tuesday before the race, or watch it later on YouTube. 

All athletes must wear the race-provided swim caps while swimming. Extra caps will be at the entrance to each pond if an athlete loses one. Let the race organizers know in advance if you have a latex allergy.

All participants will be provided with bright green “safety swimmer” buoy devices with leash. Wearing a buoy is mandatory — although athletes can substitute their own buoy if they wish. The race-supplied buoy has an inner cavity to carry shoes and nutrition, and is yours to keep.

All participants will be provided with number markings for on-course identification by race officials. These will take the place of bibs, and can be worn over any tri suit, swimsuit or wetsuit.

Equipment that is generally accepted at most swim-run events are allowed here. This includes goggles and masks, wetsuits, hand paddles, pull buoys, and specialty swim-run shoes. Note: you do not need to use all of these. As to shoes, some athletes prefer to take off their shoes for the swim segments.

No transfers, substitutions or deferments permitted.

There is no rain date. Race management reserves the right to modify or shorten the race course in case of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. This has happened often, and athletes should be aware of — and accept — the possibility.

Awards ceremony time and place to be announced to all athletes this summer. Awards will go to top solo men and women, mixed teams, female teams and male teams. Solo awards will include Open, Senior, and Masters categories. Binary categories will be awarded if warranted by registration data.

For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB offerings.

While the race is point-to-point (Atlantic Ocean in Truro to Wellfleet Village), athletes will park near the finish at the Wellfleet Elementary School and will be shuttled to the start line

We love our volunteers!  Friends and family members of athletes, past participants and curious future participants are all encouraged to volunteer and watch the action up close!  T-shirt, refreshments, swag bag and a post-race meal are only some of the perks! Contact lori@neeevents.com for more information.