EAST COAST OPEN WATER FESTIVAL
- Date Sat 13th September 2025 - Sun 14th September 2025
- Time 10:00AM EDT
- Location Huddleston, Virginia
- Price $91.10
- Races 6 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Participants of all ages can look forward to a variety of race distances, including a challenging 5K swim, a fun one-mile splash and dash, and a special half-mile race for the youngest competitors. Kick off the festivities on Saturday with the 5K Swim Race starting at 10 AM, followed by the One Mile Splash at noon and The Great Knockout in the afternoon. On Sunday, the action continues with races starting at 11 AM, including a half-mile for ages 9 and under and a one-mile race open to all. With awards for top finishers and a welcoming atmosphere for swimmers of every skill level, the East Coast Open Water Festival is not to be missed! Donβt forget to register early for discounted parking and secure your spot in this unforgettable aquatic celebration!
Organiser's Description
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 weve had 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 [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake] 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 $5 or anyone (competing or not) is able to purchase a stand alone pass within the registration store [https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/VA/Huddleston/EASTCOASTOPENWATERFESTIVAL]. Anyone who pre-pays for parking will be put on the pre-paid list at the guard shack.
TIME OF FIRST EVENT: Saturday 10am, Sunday 11am
COURSE: The racecourse will consist of a mile loop marked with large colored buoys. There
will be an in water start at the start/finish line. Finish Banner marks finish line. A video based timing system will be used.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, SEPT 13TH
* 5K Swim Race Open to All Ages
* Registration 9:00am to 9:45am
* Race Starts at 10:00am
* One Mile Splash / One Mile Dash Open to All Ages
* Registration 10:45am to 11:30am
* Race Starts at 12:00pm (noon)
* The Great Knockout -Open to All Ages
* Registration 1:00pm to 1:45pm
* Race Starts at 2:00pm
SUNDAY, SEPT 14TH
* Half Mile Race Open to 9 & Under
* Registration 10:00am to 10:45am
* Race Starts at 11:00am
* One Mile Race -Open to All Ages
* Registration 10:30am to 11:45am
* Race Starts at 12:00pm
* Half Mile Splash / Half Mile Dash Open to All Ages
* Registration 12:30pm to 1:15pm
* Race Starts at 1:30pm
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
* Individuals are encouraged to use this page for registration.
* You are permitted to register multiple participants under the same transaction.
* Teams can request a coupon code which would permit either individuals on a team to register without having to pay at that time or a coach can enter all of their athletes and then be sent a single invoice or the entry fee would be payable at check-in.
* Large Teams can request a preformatted spreadsheet to complete their entries. This option would bypass the online platform and allow for a team leader to enter all information on the spreadsheet. Please contact the meet director if you are interested in this option.
REGISTRATION FEES
Fee for one individual event...........................................$ 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 15 minute break between and after the 1,500 we will drop down to 20 swimmer, after the 1,000 we will drop down to 10 swimmers.
Note: Age on September 13th, 2025 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 [email protected]
Races
-
5K Swim Race
Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$91.10
OPENS 23 JUN -
One Mile Splash / One Mile Dash
Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (12:00PM EDT)
$91.10
OPENS 23 JUN -
The Great Knockout
Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (2:00PM EDT)
$91.10
OPENS 23 JUN1,500, 1,000, 500 with 15 minute break between and after the 1,500 we will drop down to 20 swimmer, after the 1,000 we will drop down to 10 swimmers. -
Half Mile Race
Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 14th September 2025 (11:00AM EDT)
$91.10
OPENS 23 JUN -
One Mile Race
Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 14th September 2025 (12:00PM EDT)
$91.10
OPENS 23 JUN -
Half Mile Splash / Half Mile Dash
Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 14th September 2025 (1:30PM EDT)
$91.10
OPENS 23 JUN
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