KEY WEST, Florida Key — Long-distance swimming enthusiasts are to compete in a 12.5-mile open-water swim Saturday, June 12, on a route that circumnavigates the island of Key West.
Solo swimmers and relay teams of two to six people are to compete in the annual Florida Keys Community College Swim Around Key West. The race is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. at Higgs Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean between Reynolds and White streets on Atlantic Boulevard.
The clockwise route around the island takes swimmers through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, ending where they began at Higgs Beach.
Sanctioned by the Florida Gold Coast Masters of the United States Masters Swimming and Florida Gold Coast Swimming of United States Swimming organizations, the challenge typically attracts athletes from the U.S., Canada and abroad to compete for awards in multiple age categories.
According to event organizer Lori Bosco of Florida Keys Community College, swimmers must provide their own support crews and boats, but can’t touch the boats except for teams making relay changes. Lifeguards and kayaks will be positioned throughout the course for safety.
In addition to traversing the waters of the Atlantic and gulf, swimmers are to pass Key West landmarks including the Southernmost Point marker that designates the southernmost spot of land in the continental United States.
The entry fee for swimmers registered by June 9 is $90 per solo swimmer, $150 per two-person relay team, $230 per three-person team, $310 per four-person team, $400 per five-person team and $460 per six-person team. Those registering after June 9 must pay an additional $15 per person.
The Swim Around Key West benefits the Florida Keys Community College swim program, Key West High School swim team and the Keys’ Bone Island Swim Club.
For more information and applications, visit www.fkccswimaroundkeywest.com.
For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit www.fla-keys.com.
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