Delaware SwimFest
- Date Mon 8th June 2026
- Time 6:00PM EDT
- Location Newark, Delaware
- Price $38.10 - $43.40
- Races 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating aquatic adventure at the inaugural Delaware SwimFest on Monday, June 8, 2026, in beautiful Newark, New Castle! This exciting event invites swimmers of all levels to dive into the thrill of open water racing, with options to compete in either an 800m or 1600m race— or take on the ultimate challenge by participating in both! The festivities kick off at 6:00 PM, with wave starts occurring every 30 minutes, culminating in the lively "party" heat at 7:30 PM.
Located at the stunning Newark Reservoir, the event promises a vibrant atmosphere complete with custom awards for the top three finishers in each category and age group. Swimmers will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow participants while navigating the scenic course, which is designed to be both challenging and rewarding. Be sure to register early to secure your preferred wave start time, and don't forget to bring your bright swim cap or New Wave Swim Buoy for safety! Join us for a day filled with excitement, community, and the joy of swimming—mark your calendars for June 8!
Located at the stunning Newark Reservoir, the event promises a vibrant atmosphere complete with custom awards for the top three finishers in each category and age group. Swimmers will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow participants while navigating the scenic course, which is designed to be both challenging and rewarding. Be sure to register early to secure your preferred wave start time, and don't forget to bring your bright swim cap or New Wave Swim Buoy for safety! Join us for a day filled with excitement, community, and the joy of swimming—mark your calendars for June 8!
Organiser's Description
Welcome to the first Delaware SwimFest presented by French Creek Racing!
Swimmers can choose an 800m race, 1600m race, or for a challenge - both races!
Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800/1600 meters in open water before entering.
We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78oF will be wetsuit legal and above 78o will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78oF will simply compete as an unofficial racer.
Start/finish area is at the caged area near the top of the hill at the Newark Reservoir. GPS address to parking lot is 240 Old Paper Mill Rd., Newark, DE 19711. There are bathrooms at the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Please make sure to use facilities as needed before walking up the hill. Additional/overflow parking is located at Timothy's, 100 Creek View Rd., Newark, DE 19711.
Register today for your choice of races!
FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times. The first swimmers will begin at 6:00 PM. Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 30 minute intervals, including the main "party" heat at 7:30PM. 1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 7:00PM.
REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day. Registration is also available on site for an additional $5 fee. You will select your wave start time during the registration process. If you need to change your start wave, please email us. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish area prior to your wave start time. When you arrive, check in at our table. You'll get body marked and you'll receive a swim cap. A bright colored cap or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers. Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB.
REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event.
The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course.
SWIM FINISH: These races will be hand timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating finish banner.
Prizes
Custom awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/26) to claim their awards.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguaurds, kayakers, and much more. Please contact [email protected] to help out, or simply register as a volunteer!
There will be one nutrition/hydration table near the reservoir entrance (caged area at the top of the hill). We will have water, Gatorade, and Hammer gels at this table. Some light pre-packaged food and beverages will be available for post-race.
Swimmers can choose an 800m race, 1600m race, or for a challenge - both races!
Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800/1600 meters in open water before entering.
We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78oF will be wetsuit legal and above 78o will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78oF will simply compete as an unofficial racer.
Start/finish area is at the caged area near the top of the hill at the Newark Reservoir. GPS address to parking lot is 240 Old Paper Mill Rd., Newark, DE 19711. There are bathrooms at the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Please make sure to use facilities as needed before walking up the hill. Additional/overflow parking is located at Timothy's, 100 Creek View Rd., Newark, DE 19711.
Register today for your choice of races!
FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times. The first swimmers will begin at 6:00 PM. Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 30 minute intervals, including the main "party" heat at 7:30PM. 1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 7:00PM.
REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day. Registration is also available on site for an additional $5 fee. You will select your wave start time during the registration process. If you need to change your start wave, please email us. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish area prior to your wave start time. When you arrive, check in at our table. You'll get body marked and you'll receive a swim cap. A bright colored cap or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers. Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB.
REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event.
The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course.
SWIM FINISH: These races will be hand timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating finish banner.
Prizes
Custom awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/26) to claim their awards.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguaurds, kayakers, and much more. Please contact [email protected] to help out, or simply register as a volunteer!
There will be one nutrition/hydration table near the reservoir entrance (caged area at the top of the hill). We will have water, Gatorade, and Hammer gels at this table. Some light pre-packaged food and beverages will be available for post-race.
Races
-
800 Meter Swim
Incl. $3.10 Fee
Mon 8th June 2026 (6:00PM EDT)
$38.10
OPENS 19 NOV -
1600 Meter Swim
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Mon 8th June 2026 (6:00PM EDT)
$43.40
OPENS 19 NOV
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240 Old Paper Mill Rd., Newark, 19711, DE, United States
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Delaware SwimFest
