EAST COAST OPEN WATER FESTIVAL 2026

Description

Dates: September 26-27, 2026

Address: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA, 24104

Start/Finish: This is less than a quarter of a mile from Mariners Landing (where we’ve had it for the last six years). We have moved to a new location to accommodate for the growth of our event. Please make sure you take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Smith Mountain Lake webpage and plan accordingly. The start location is on the beach directly behind the Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Parking: Please note that there is a $7 parking fee, which covers both days into the park. Participants are encouraged to pre-pay for parking upon registration for a discounted price of $5 or anyone (competing or not) is able to purchase a standalone pass within the registration store . Anyone who pre-pays for parking will be put on the pre-paid list at the guard shack.

Time of first event: Saturday, 10 am, Sunday, 11 am

Course: The racecourse will consist of a mile loop marked with large colored buoys. There will be an in water start at the start/finish line. Finish Banner marks finish line. A video based timing system will be used.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, Sept 26th

5K Swim Race –Open to All Ages Registration 9:00 am to 9:45 am Race Starts at 10:00 am

One Mile Splash / One Mile Dash – Open to All Ages Registration 10:45 am to 11:30 am Race Starts at 12:00 pm (noon)

The Great Knockout -Open to All Ages Registration 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm Race Starts at 1:00 pm

Sunday, Sept 27th

Half Mile Race –Open to 9 & Under Registration 10:00 am to 10:45 am Race Starts at 11:00 am

One Mile Race -Open to All Ages Registration 10:30 am to 11:15 am Race Starts at 11:30 am

Half Mile Splash / Half Mile Dash –Open to All Ages Registration 11:30 pm to 12:15 pm Race Starts at 12:30 pm

Registration Options

Individuals are encouraged to use this page for registration. You are permitted to register multiple participants under the same transaction.

Teams can request a coupon code, which would permit either individuals on a team to register without having to pay at that time or a coach can enter all of their athletes and then be sent a single invoice or the entry fee would be payable at check-in. Large Teams can request a preformatted spreadsheet to complete their entries. This option would bypass the online platform and allow for a team leader to enter all information on the spreadsheet. Please contact the meet director if you are interested in this option.

Registration Fees Fee for one individual event...........................................$ 85.00 Two Events ....................................................................$100.00 Three Events..................................................................$110.00 (Fees include registration: swim cap, and event T-Shirt)

*** Note: discount applied at check-out. You must register for multiple events during the same transaction in order to receive the discount.

Awards:

5K Open Water Swim Winners: Top Male and Female: Backpacks and Plaques. All Other Events will be Awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Plaques

Age Divisions:

1/2 Mile: 9 & Under Only 1 Mile: 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 & Over 5K: 11 & Under, 12-13, 14-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 & Over Half Mile Splash / Half Mile Dash: 9 & Under, 10-11, 12-13, 14-17, 18 & Over One Mile Splash / One Mile Dash: 12 & Under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30 & Over The Great Knockout: 1,500, 1,000, 500 with a 15-minute break between and after the 1,500, we will drop down to 20 swimmers, after the 1,000, we will drop down to 10 swimmers.

Note: Age on September 26th, 2026 will determine age for the entire meet.

Volunteering

Anyone wishing to help with registration check-in, body marking, on the water drink station, event check-in, water safety personnel or first aid station, please contact Doug Fonder at DougFonder@gmail.com