Swim The Loop

Swim The Loop is a 3.5 mile open water swim race that takes place around an interior island, called off the marsh/docks and you won’t hit bottom. Salisbury St.

Swim The Loop starts and finishes at the Dockside Restaurant, which is located on Airlie Road (Wilmington side of the Intercoastal Waterway). The race will start at a high tide to ensure an even tide pattern throughout the 3.5 mile swim. Don’t be fooled though; there will be times of slight incoming tide, slight falling tide and a mostly slack tide. Swimmers will paddle their way around the island

clockwise going under the drawbridge and turning right into Lee’s Cut. There are some shallower waters through this cut, so keep about 10-15 ft. Lee’s Cut can be a tougher section to complete, so be conservative and confident through the first mile of the swim. Once through Lee’s Cut the swimmer will turn right into Banks Channel and go under the W. Bridge completing about 1.5 miles of the course. Once you reach the second bridge you’ve completed 2 miles and will soon turn right into Motts Channel. Make sure you site through Mott’s Channel and stay about 10-15 ft. off the marsh because as the tide begins to change and fall this part could be a challenging portion of the swim depending on the time you begin this portion of the swim. Mile 3 is just past the Seapath Towers/Marina and will leave you with half a mile from the finish.

09/07/2026

🏊 4 weeks to race day! Quick training tips for Swim the Loop & Motts Channel Sprint:

Week 4: Build your longest swim (near full race distance)
Week 3: Add open-water sessions — practice sighting & drafting Week 2: Race-pace intervals, dial in your nutrition
Week 1: Taper down, rest up, trust your training

See you at the start line 10/11! 💙

08/31/2026

🏊 REMINDER: Practice Swim — Friday, September 11 @ 7:30 AM

Join us at Dockside Restaurant, 1308 Airlie Rd, Wilmington for our second practice swim of the year! Swim part of the course or the whole thing — great prep for Swim the Loop on 10/11.

Self-supported: bring your gear, buddy up, stay visible.

See you in the water! 💙

08/24/2026

🏊 SWIM THE LOOP — Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Dockside Restaurant, Wilmington

Choose your distance: the 3.5-mile Loop or the 1.3-mile Motts Channel Sprint.

⏰ Register by SEPTEMBER 8 to guarantee your race shirt! ⏰

👉 Sign up:

The Swim the Loop is on Sunday October 11, 2026. It includes the following events: Swim the Loop and Motts Channel Sprint.

07/16/2026

Water safety is at the heart of Swim The Loop

For 14 years, our swimmers have trusted the incredible people who watch over them in the water — volunteers who show up with skill, calm, and genuine care. We are deeply grateful for every one of you who has helped keep this event safe.

As we prepare for the 2026 race, we’re looking for dedicated water support volunteers to join this essential team. Your presence truly makes a difference.

Sign up here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/Wilmington/SwimtheLoop

07/09/2026

Mott’s Channel Sprint is designed for swimmers of all levels — from beginner to advanced.

At 1.3 miles, most athletes finish between 25 and 60 minutes, and with minimal tide impact, it’s a more approachable option than Swim The Loop.

The photo shown here captures swimmers passing the mile‑3 boat during the longer Loop event — a reminder of the excitement that defines race day, no matter the distance.

If you’re looking for a welcoming, confidence‑building open‑water challenge, Mott’s Channel Sprint is the perfect place to start.

07/02/2026

Price increases after July 4th!

If you’ve been looking for a good time with friends, now’s the moment to commit. Register before the holiday to secure the lower rate and lock in your spot for this year’s Swim The Loop.

06/26/2026

**Fourteen Years of Swim The Loop**

Blast from the past here are some pictures from 2012 :)

What began as a simple idea has grown into something truly special. For 14 years, swimmers have come together in these waters — side by side, stroke by stroke — sharing early‑morning nerves, quiet courage, and the joy of moving through something bigger than ourselves.

Every year, this community shows up with heart. You bring the smiles, the friendships, and the stories that make Swim The Loop more than a race — it’s a tradition, a reunion, and a reminder of why we love open water.

Here’s to 14 years of memories in the channel… and to all the moments still ahead.

06/18/2026

🌊 **Swim the Loop Update!**
Our **first group swim practice** was a huge success — strong strokes, great vibes, and an awesome kickoff to the season.

💡 **Endurance Tip:** Practice *steady, relaxed breathing* to keep your pace smooth and conserve energy in open water.

Ready for the next one? Let’s keep the momentum going. 🏊‍♂️💙.

I plan on posting the next soon. Plan for after July 4th.

PS - Price increase does happen at the end of the month. Sign up now 💪🏼🔥

06/01/2026

The countdown to Swim The Loop is on. Every sunrise swim, every long pull, every chilly dip gets you closer to race day. Let’s build that endurance together.
Endurance Tip: Start each swim with a controlled pace so you can finish strong.
Join the adventure: https://www.swimtheloop.com/

05/18/2026

Open‑water season is officially here and the Loop is calling. Time to shake off the winter rust and dive into adventure. Who’s jumping in first?
Endurance Tip: Keep your stroke smooth and breathe rhythmically to stay relaxed.
Register or learn more: https://www.swimtheloop.com/

Address

1308 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC
28403

Website

http://www.swimtheloop.com/

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