Solo Swimmers and Teams to Race 12.5 Miles Around Key West in June 8 Challenge

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Swimmers can test their speed, skill and endurance Saturday, June 8, during a one-of-a-kind, 12.5-mile open-water race around the perimeter of the continental United States’ southernmost island. 

 The epic College of the Florida Keys Swim Around Key West annually attracts athletes from throughout the United States, Canada and abroad in age categories of 12 and under to 70 and over. 

Entrants can register as solo competitors or in relay teams of two to six swimmers, with or without fins — and even as solo swimmers using a mermaid tail or monofin. 

The World Open Water Swimming Association-sanctioned swim begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Key West’s Higgs Beach, fronting on the Atlantic Ocean at 1000 Atlantic Blvd. 

All solo swimmers and teams must check in and pick up their race packets between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the College of the Florida Keys pool on campus at 5901 College Road. Registrants also can watch mermaid shows, scheduled at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and even attempt to transform themselves into the mythical marine creatures. 

Saturday morning, swimmers depart on a clockwise route around Key West through both Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico waters, with finishers ending where they began at Higgs Beach. The course takes them past Key West sites including Mallory Square, home of the famed nightly Sunset Celebration, and the Southernmost Point buoy landmark that designates the most southerly spot of land in the continental United States and stands just 90 miles from Cuba.

Each swimmer or team must provide a support crew and kayak or boat to accompany them around the island. In addition, lifeguards and safety kayaks will be positioned throughout the course.

Swimmers who prefer a shorter challenge can participate in 800-yard, 1-mile, 2-mile and 10k competitions in the Atlantic waters off Higgs Beach. Courses are to be marked by poles or buoys. 

Beachfront awards ceremonies are to follow the races. Awards in the 12.5-miles swim await the top overall male and female finishers, top six solo finishers in each age group, top six places in each relay category and top six competitors with fins.

Participants must register by June 7. The entry fee for the 12.5-mile race is $160 per solo swimmer and $240 to $600 per relay team, depending on the number of team members. Per-person entry for the 10k race is $80 and each shorter race is $40. Discounts on solo swimmers’ fees are available for United States Masters Swimming and USA Swimming members. 

Event information and registration: swimaroundkeywest.org or 305-809-3562