Open Water Series & Summer Virtual Tri Series

This registration link is for French Creek Racing's Open Water Series, 6 swim races of 800m/1600m each, located at 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA 19403.CLICK HERE to SELECT STARTING WAVES FOR RACE DAYS.
New for 2023: Join our Club Challenge! Compete for the Club Championship. When registering, select your club from our list to be included in the club challenge. If you club is not listed, email [email protected] to get your club added.
If you're interested in coached pool swims, open water training swims, or any other events/training we have to offer, check out our full lineup of services at www.frenchcreekracing.com.
French Creek Racing presents our series of 6 open water swimming races throughout the summer.  2023 race dates are: 5/9, 6/6, 6/27, 7/18, 8/1, and 8/22.  Each race will be scheduled on Tuesday afternoon/evening with Thursday as a rain date.  For all dates, we are offering both a 800m and 1600m series option.
Race address: 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA.  This GPS address will get you to the parking lot.  Absolutely no parking in front of our launch area.
Also includes: Virtual Triathlon, Virtual Duathlon, Virtual Aquabike, and Virtual 5K 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.
FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times.  After registering, swimmers should Reserve Their Space Here.  The first swimmers will begin at 5:00 PM.  Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 15 minute intervals, including the main competitive heat at 6:30PM and the "party" heat at 6:45PM.  1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 6:00PM.REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day.  Registration is also available on site for an additional $5 fee.  Please aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time.  You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish dock prior to your wave start time.  Please do not swim downstream on the race course and remain within sight of the starting platform.You should select your wave start time after the registration process.  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.
All series racers registered by 4/15, real and virtual, will receive a series t-shirt, and a custom award.
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.
Check out the most accurate water conditions at this location here. Open Water Series Events are subject to cancellation or change due to weather (lightning, water quality, etc.).  For the most up to date information on our location and schedule, join our Facebook Group. 
Directions to Norristown Location:From Trooper Rd. exit of 422, head toward the Betzwood trailhead on Trooper Rd.  Make a left at the "T" to go under 422.  Make another left to the parking lot and walk the short paved path to the starting point.  We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge.
The 800m swim course will start slightly upriver, then about 390 meters downriver, returning upriver to the finish line.  For more details, please review our Swim Course Map.  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 dock start/finish.
VIRTUAL COURSES: Complete the prescribed courses in any order you prefer.  Transition times don't count.  Record your own times and send them to us.  We'll tabulate the times and give you a score for each of the 6 races.  If you can't make it to our course, you can do your own, but please let us know if you decide to do so.9.2 Mile Bike Course1.5 Mile Run Course
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE COURSES ARE ALL OPEN TO VEHICULAR AND/OR BIKE/PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.  FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD/TRAIL AND YIELD AS NEEDED.Virtual Tri = 800m swim, 9.2 mile bike, 1.5 mile runVirtual Du = 1.5 mile run, 9.2 mile bike, 1.5 mile runVirtual Aquathlon = 800m swim, 1.5 mile runVirtual AquaVelo = 800m swim, 9.2 mile bikeVirtual 5K Run = 2 loops of the run courseCustom Awards for each category!
It is suggested that swimmers bring their own pre-race food and drinks.  If there is anything you need, please bring it from home!Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite.  Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive.  The nearest bathroom facility is at the Betzwood trailhead, about 600 meters from our launch point.  No changing room on site.
PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:OPEN WATER SERIES EVENT OCCUR IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS.  All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Generally, we will use www.phillyrivercast.org as a guideline of water quality. Ultimately, we will make a call by 12 noon and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. Rain dates are typically Thursday of the same week, unless we post otherwise. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim.  WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED.  THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!
PrizesCustom 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 (8/22) to claim their awards.
VolunteersVolunteers 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!
Private Lessons, Video Analysis, and Swim/Tri Coaching also available with Coach John Kenny.   John is a 5-time US National Champion and 7-time US National Team member in open water swimming. Contact [email protected] for more details! 
For more details, visit: www.FrenchCreekRacing.com