The 20th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run

  • Date Sat 6th June 2026
  • Time 10:00AM EDT
  • Location Beaufort, South Carolina
  • Price $38.10 - $85.80
  • Races 6 races
  • Distances 1 Mile

Event summary

Join us for the 20th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina! This exciting event offers a variety of options for participants, including a challenging 3.2-mile swim, a 1-mile swim, and combo events that feature both swimming and running. The scenic race course showcases the stunning Beaufort River, with the 3.2-mile swim starting at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina and finishing at the picturesque Beaufort Waterfront Park. For those looking to combine their love of swimming and running, the 3.2-mile swim/5K run and 1-mile swim/5K run options promise a thrilling experience.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Wardle Family YMCA's Learn to Swim program, making your participation even more meaningful! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual participant, this event is designed for everyone. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow swimmers and runners, and don’t forget to check out the awards presentation for top finishers. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day filled with fun, fitness, and community spirit on June 6th!

Organiser's Description

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026 EVENT OPTIONS

* 3.2-Mile Beaufort River Swim
* 1-Mile Swim
* 3.2-Mile Swim/5K Run
* 1-Mile Swim/5K Run
* Or Relay Option (Timed Event but No Awards Given)

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE WARDLE FAMILY YMCA'S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM!



Interested in sponsoring or donating to the 2026 Beaufort River Swim, Please contact Perri Flaherty at [email protected] or (843) 379-1365.



SWIM RACE COURSE: Our 3.2 mile course is the unique estuary called the Beaufort River, starting at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina, winding around the curve, and finishing at the day dock, adjacent to the Beaufort Waterfront Park, with spectators watching the finish line. The course is approximately 3.2 miles swimming with the tide. The water temp is mild to warm, usually mid 70's. The surface wave conditions range from calm to choppy at times depending upon the weather. Our 1 mile course follows this same path, but begins at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Dock. Both swims finish at the same location and the delayed start for the 1 mile swim allows all swimmers to have a safe event.



PACKET PICK-UP: Race bags will be available for pick up on Friday, May 30th at the YMCA at Port Royal from 3:00pm-7:00pm (1801 Richmond Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935) or day of race at the Downtown Marina during check-in. See details in email sent our prior to race day.

RACE DAY: Meet at the Downtown Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina (1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902) starting at 6:00 am. This is the end point for both swims as well as the staging area for swim/run events. Both swims require all swimmers to check in prior to boarding the buses. Swimmers should NOT meet at the starting point. YMCA staff will transport swimmers via bus to their respective starting points (Safe Harbor Port Royal Marina for the 3.2-Mile swimmers and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock for the 1-Mile swimmers). YMCA staff will bring your numbered race bag back to the downtown marina where swimmers can retrieve it after the race _(please do not leave valuables in your race bag)_.



All 3.2 Mile Race entrants must checked-in by 7:15am. Check in begins at 6:00am. Please allow at least 15 minutes to check-in on race day! Even if you have already picked up your race bag, you must check-in on race day to receive your chip timer and body markings. You must wear the assigned swim cap in your race bag. _LAST BUS FOR 3.2-MILE SWIMMERS LEAVES THE DOWNTOWN BEAUFORT MARINA PARKING LOT AT 7:30AM._



Check in for the 1 Mile Swim starts at 6:30am. Please allow at least 15 minutes to check-in on race day! Even if you have already picked up your race bag, you must check-in on race day to receive your chip timer and body markings. You must wear the assigned swim cap in your race bag. _LAST BUS FOR 1 MILE SWIMMERS LEAVES THE DOWNTOWN BEAUFORT MARINA PARKING LOT AT 8:00AM._



5K Run: You can sprint, you can jog, or you can walk this 5K and enjoy the scenery as you run along the waterfront park, cross the Woods Memorial swing bridge, turn right down Meridian Road, turn around at the marked turn station and return the way you came. The race will require runners to exit the transition zone over to the sidewalk and run along the Waterfront park. Runners will finish the race along the seawall in the marked Finish Area. _Please note that due to the nature of this race, Woods Memorial Bridge is not closed down and runners will be on the sidewalk. There is a small chance the bridge can open during this time and runners will be required to stop._



Note that there is NO same day registration registration ends Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 8:00pm EST.



Swimming Information-Please read through detailed instructions included in the race bag!

* 1 Mile Swim participants must be at least 10 years old.
* 3.2 Mile swim participants must be at least 13 years old.
* Equipment and headphones are not permitted due to safety protocols
* Wet-suits are allowed in either swim but will make you ineligible for awards.
* You must swim up to, onto and run/walk up the boat ramp and over the timing mat to finish the race.
* There will also be a portable shower area, small towels and water available for all swimmers.
* Both swims will be WITH the tide. Large yellow buoys will mark the swim route. The finish at the boat ramp is marked with a large string of pool noodles as well as event safety personnel on SUP, kayaks and lifeguards on the day dock.

_PARTICIPANTS REGISTERED AFTER APRIL 28TH ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO RECEIVE A T-SHIRT; AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS FOR REGISTRANTS AFTER APRIL 28TH._



AWARDS: Awards presentation will be held 2 hours after the swim start for swimmers and 2.5 hours after the swim start for swim/ runners at the downtown marina parking lot area.

BOBBLEHEADS:

* 3.2 Mile Beaufort River Swim: Top Female & Male finishers plus top age group finishers
* 1 mile Swim: Top Female and Male finishers
* 3.2 miles swim & 5k Run: Top Female and Male finishers
* 1 mile swim & 5k Run: Top Female and Male finishers

RACE SAFETY: The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will be providing the primary safety for our event. A fleet of kayakers and other safety vessels will monitor the course to ensure the swimmers' safety. Swimmers must follow directions of safety personnel. Please review swim course and running course prior to the event! No headphones/ear bunds/swim enhancing equipment are allowed during the swim portion of the race.



FEES: Entry Fee is non-refundable including in the event of inclement weather, water conditions or issues beyond our control. In the event of a cancellation, Beaufort Search & Rescue will make the final call. Swimmers will still be able to pick up their race bags in the event of a cancellation.

Races

  • 3.2M River Swim

    Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (10:00AM EDT)

    $59.30

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
    3.2M River Swim (Timed)
  • 1 Mile Swim

    Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (10:30AM EDT)

    $38.10

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
  • 3.2 Swim/5K Run Single Participant

    Incl. $4.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (10:00AM EDT)

    $69.90

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
    Participant will swim the 3.2 mile swim and then run the 5K race.
  • 1 Mile Swim and 5K Single Participant

    Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (10:30AM EDT)

    $48.70

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
    Participant will swim in the 1 mile swim and then run the 5K race.
  • 3.2 Mile Swim/ 5K Run Relay

    Incl. $5.80 Fee & Relay Participant T-Shirts

    Sat 6th June 2026 (10:00AM EDT)

    $85.80

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
  • 1 Mile Swim/ 5K Run Relay

    Incl. $5.20 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (10:00AM EDT)

    $75.20

    OPENS 01 JAN 26

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Location

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay St, Beaufort, 29902, SC, United States

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