Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge and Peter Johnson Memorial Swim Race

06/30/2026

The Chicago River Swim is the signature event of [1]A Long Swim, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for ALS collaborative research through Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and local youth learn-to-swim programs...

06/24/2026

🏊‍♂️ Taking on Another Epic Challenge—and I Need Your Help! 🏊‍♂️

I’ve always been drawn to endurance events that are both challenging and iconic. Over the past few years, that has included the Escape from Alcatraz Swim and the Maah Daah Hey 100-Mile Mountain Bike Race.

This year, I’m honored to have been selected as one of only 500 participants from thousands of applicants to compete in the Chicago River Swim, a historic 2-mile open-water swim that is making its return after more than a century.

What makes this event even more meaningful is that it serves as a fundraiser for ALS research. Every participant is required to raise at least $1,750, and I’m asking for the support of my friends and family to help me reach that goal.
If you’re able, please consider making a donation. Every dollar helps advance critical ALS research and supports those impacted by this devastating disease.

🔗 Donate Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/149820/Donate/BnLLC1qJxr5ivkDE

Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, and support. Your generosity will help make a difference, and I’ll be thinking of all of you as I swim through the heart of Chicago this September!

The Chicago River Swim is the signature event of [1]A Long Swim, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for ALS collaborative research through Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and local youth learn-to-swim programs...

06/10/2026

⏰ LAST CHANCE FOR REGULAR PRICING!

⏰Hey Swimmers, those final slots for the Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge are vanishing fast! 🏊‍♂️

💥You already know you want to do this, so stop procrastinating. Tonight (Wednesday) is your absolute last chance for regular registration before prices jump!

🚀Yes, you can technically still register last-minute on Friday or Saturday morning. But why deal with the wallet pain and the extra race-day stress?We are down to the absolute wire on space. Grab one of the final remaining spots right now, save some cash, and let's get ready for Zorba Swim Race! 🥞🍻

👉 Lock in your spot before the price jump: zgullchallengeswim.com

See you at Gull Lake! ☀️

— Sean & the Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge Team
📞 218-820-3756

06/08/2026

🚨 FINAL WARNING, SWIMMERS!
🚨The countdown is ON for the Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge this Saturday, June 13, and we are almost entirely full! 🏊‍♂️
💥Fewer than 20 racing slots remain. Once they are gone, registration closes completely.
Here is what you need to know right now:
⏰ Wednesday Deadline: General registration closes this Wednesday!
💰 Price Jump: Same-day registration rates apply starting Thursday.
🗓️ Last Chance: You can still register Friday night or Saturday morning if slots remain.
🥞 The Perks: Epic Lake Margaret course + Zorbaz after-party breakfast.
🐬 The Cause: Every registration supports the Brainerd YMCA Dolphins swim team!
👉 Lock in your spot before Wednesday to save cash: zgullchallengeswim.com
Already registered? Tag your training partners below or share this post before they get locked out!
👇See you at the lake! 🌊

06/01/2026

⏰ LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO!
⏱️The countdown is officially on for the Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge on June 13, and slots are disappearing fast.
⚠️ ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF RACING SLOTS REMAIN. The starting grid is almost full, and once these final spots are gone, registration will close completely.
👕 BONUS INCENTIVE: You must lock in your spot by this Wednesday to guarantee your official race shirt size.
Don't risk missing out!Here is what is waiting for you on the water:🏊 Fast, gorgeous open-water swimming on Lake Margaret.
📏 2.4 miles, 1.2 miles, a team relay, or a casual non-competitive swim.
🍹 Epic post-race breakfast and Bloody Marys waiting at Zorbaz.
YMCA proceeds support the awesome kids at the Brainerd YMCA Dolphins.
Don't wait until it's too late and get left on the beach.
👇 Claim your slot and your shirt size before Wednesday!
👉 zgullchallengeswim.com
Already registered? Tag your training partners below who still need to sign up before Wednesday's shirt deadline! 👇

05/19/2026

🚨 URGENT: 4 WEEKS OUT! Volunteers Needed for Gull Lake Challenge Swim!
🚨We are exactly four weekends away from the big day on June 13, and we need a rockstar crew to make the Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge Swim a massive success! 🏊‍♂️

☀️Whether you aren't racing this year, want to cheer on your friends, or just love a high-energy morning out on Gull Lake, we want you on our team.

👇 WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP:
• On the Water: Course spotters (kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards needed!) 🚣‍♂️
• On the Shore: Start & finish line support 🏁
• Behind the Scenes: Set-up and tear-down crew 🛠️
• Safety First: Medical standby 🚑

🎁 THE PERKS:You aren't just helping out—volunteers score a free event t-shirt, a delicious Zorbaz breakfast, and some well-deserved post-race fun! 🍳🍺👉

WANT IN? Send a message, or contact Sean directly to secure your volunteer spot:
📞 Call/Text: 218-820-3756
📧 Email: [email protected]

See you out on the lake! 👋— Sean

04/14/2026

03/15/2026

Hey Swimmers,

It’s time to get back in the water! We are thrilled to officially announce the 2026 Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge Swim Race on Saturday, June 13th.
Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman pro or looking to conquer your first open-water mile, Lake Margaret is waiting for you. With its calm, sheltered waters and fast course, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your summer season.

Why join us this year?
• Choose Your Challenge: Tackle the full 2.4-mile course, the 1.2-mile option, or grab some friends for the relay.
• Non-Competitive Division: Want the experience without the pressure? Use your fins, snorkels, or paddles and enjoy a timed swim at your own pace.
• The Legendary After-Party: It wouldn’t be Zorbaz without the post-race buffet! We’re talking a massive breakfast and Tito’s Bloody Marys to celebrate your finish.
• Swim for a Cause: We are continuing our tradition of supporting the Brainerd YMCA Dolphins in honor of Peter Johnson. Together, we’ve raised over $20,000!

⏳ Don't Wait! Early bird registration is open now. Secure the best pricing before the rate increases on April 14th at 11:59 PM.

Get all the race day details at: https://zgullchallengeswim.com/

We can’t wait to see you at the start line!