10/09/2022
Count down is on!!! We are less than a month and a half out from the Fresh Start Swim Series November 19th swim at St. Pete Beach!
We are still on!! Hurricane damage in our area was minimal and we can't wait to see all our local friends and hopefully many out of town swim friends as well.
4 distances: 500m, 2.5k, 5k, and 10k swims, time limit for the 10k is 4 hours, REGISTRATION STARTS AT 7:00 AND CLOSES AT 9:00, so if you are swimming a later event you don't have to get there right at 7:00, safety meeting at 15 minutes before each event). ETA for events is 500 meter @8:00, All other events leave a half hour later (10k 8:30, 5k 9:00, 2.5k 9:30) (subject to change
Water temp: 60-80 degrees, I know unhelpful, but it really depends on whet the weather does over the next month.
Wetsuit Policy: In an attempt to be more inclusive our wetsuit policy is 70.9 and under wetsuits are allowed (but not mandatory) and 71 and over wetsuits are not allowed to qualify for awards. Unfortunately, we are a very small race and our awards are all donated and expensive, so we are unable to offer wetsuit/non wetsuit awards at this time.
About out water: Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico is a great opportunity for both rookies and veterans. Our race is right up against the beach, so if at any point you feel uncomfortable you are able to get out of the water (please go and check in at the timing station if you get out early, otherwise we have to hunt you down). Most of the time the Gulf is manageable, even on its rougher days, we always reserve the right to cancel if lightning is in the area or if conditions put our swimmers or safety crew at risk.
Awards: Beautiful Hand made awards, 1st place in each event and the 10 age group awards, Age groups are decided night before based on participation numbers. Awards for 500m will be give out after all other events have left to go race. Awards for following races will be given out once all participants from that race are in and finished.
Music on the beach.
Rental Kayaks: If you are out of town and need to rent a kayak please contact Mary Jo Jimmy at Sandyfeet Kayaking. 1 (727) 200-3142, Let her know you are with the Fresh Start Swim Series.
Rent a Kayaker: You can rent a local, knowledgable kayaker during registration.
You only NEED a kayaker for the 10k, which will be a single loop in front of the beach. Other racers are welcome to bring support kayakers to be out on the course as well. All courses are a single loop, minus the 500m which is a one way sprint.
There will be an email with safety information that goes out Friday morning after registration has closed.
Race registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/StPete/FreshStartSwimSeriesStPete2021
This a 100% non profit race supporting Forgotten Coast K9, getting services dogs into the hands of veterans.
Thank you all so much for your support and looking forward to seeing you there.
The Fresh Start Swim Series - St. Pete Beach is on Saturday November 19, 2022. It includes the following events: 2.5k Swim, 5k, 10 K, Virtual Swim 500m, 2.5k, 5k, or 10k, Safety Kayaker, and 500m.
