2026 SwimRun Cape Cod

Racers will embark on a combination run/swim effort 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 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 these 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. Buoys are placed for sighting. Water crossings will be lifeguarded to meet USA Triathlon standards. Nutrition and hydration stations as well as portable restrooms will be at the entrance or exit to ponds at five evenly spaced points.

While solo racers can enter any distance, teams of two athletes may participate in the race in the Medium and Shore Course distances only. Teams must remain together throughout the race. Tethers are allowed but are not mandatory.

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

All athletes must wear the race-provided swim caps while swimming.

All participants will be provided with bright green “safety swimmer” buoy devices with leash. The buoy has an inner cavity to carry shoes and nutrition, and is yours to keep. For solo athletes, wearing a buoy is mandatory — although athletes can substitute their own buoy if they wish. Teams can share one buoy or can use two race-supplied "Restube" safety devices on a "loaner" basis. 

All participants will be body marked prior to the race. This will take the place of bibs.

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 items. As to shoes: some athletes prefer to take off their shoes for the swim segments, but more and more competitors at these events wear their run shoes for the duration.

Timed race. Results will to be posted to NEEevents.com within 24 hours of race completion.

Awards ceremony immediately following the race. Awards presented to top three competitors overall and in Open, Senior, and Masters categories (male, female, non-binary), as well as top mixed teams, female teams and male teams. Those who cannot remain for the ceremony may pickup their award from one of the race directors or by contacting us for shipping instructions. Results will be posted on our website within 24 hours of event.

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

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 bethann@neeevents.com for more information.

Deferrals: Unable to make it race day? Defer your entry to 2027 right inside your athlete account for a $30 fee. No deferrals will be processed after 9/19/26. 

Refunds: There will be no refunds for this event. You may purchase Refund Protect during the registration process which would provide a refund for certain qualifying circumstances. Learn more here. 

Transfers: There are no transfers for this race. 

There will not be a wait list for this event. 

Visit the SwimRun race website for more information about this race.  For more information about our other races, please visit NEEEvents.com