Charles Bender Memorial Swim and Relay 2026

The race.

The Charles Bender Memorial Swim and Relay takes place September 5, 2026, in Norristown, PA, featuring five race distances: 8 miles, 15K, 6 miles, 5K, and a Fast and Furious 5K swim. Waves start between 6:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., with a 1 p.m. finish cutoff and awards ceremony. All round-trip courses begin and end near 1400 S. Trooper Rd., swimming upstream toward Valley Forge National Park. Swimmers must provide their own kayak support; custom awards go to the top three finishers by gender in each race. Online registration closes September 1 at noon, and practice swims are available September 3 from 5–7 p.m. This event has no refunds and no rain date; entries may be deferred to the following year or transferred to another French Creek Racing event.