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This page covers what and where, Pre Race meeting Thursday June19, 6:00 PM
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32st Annual 12.5 Mile Swim Around Key West
TO BE HELD FRIDAY, June 20th, 2008, AT 8:28AM
The 32nd Annual 12.5 Swim Around Key West will be held on Friday June 20th at 8:28 AM. This challenging swim begins at the Bertha Street Boat Ramp on the Atlantic side of the island and the swimmers proceed clockwise returning to the start. This prestigious swim has been written up in Captain Tim Johnson's recent book, "The History of Open Water Marathon Swimming." Apply now, train hard and in finishing you too can be a part of history.I know many of you were disappointed in the Coast Guard interference
with the last swim. I honestly was devastated by it. I have spoken
with the committee and we are inviting all the 2007 swimmers back at
the same cost you paid in 2007. That means if you are a solo swimmer
your entrance fee would be $75.00 until April 20th, 2008. At that
point the cost would be $85.00. If you are a two person relay the
cost is $140.00 and the three person is $200.00. After April 20th,
2008 add $10.00 to each.This year we are introducing two start times. The first wave will leave at
8:28AM and the second wave 8:58AM. The reasons are several:
Slower swimmers will have an extra advantage to complete the full course
before experiencing the tide working against them.
This will allow all swimmers to get through the Key West Harbor sooner,
avoiding stragglers in this heavily trafficked area.
It will shorten the time between the fast swimmers and the slower swimmers
completion of the event, allowing more cohesion among the participants.
Please note that only the second wave swimmers will be eligible for trophies.
However, all solo swimmers who complete the course will receive finisher awards.
Each solo swimmer must choose which wave he/she chooses to enter. However,
our advice is that if you swim a pool mile in 30 minutes or less you may wish
to enter the second wave. If you swim a pool mile in more than 40 minutes you
may wish to swim in the first wave.
Slower relay teams will be allowed the option to leave with the first wave but
will not be eligible for any awards.
You must indicate which wave you will swim with on race day but you will be
allowed to change your wave at the sign in on Thursday, June 19th. No one will
be allowed to change their wave on the day of the event.
We will be updating the web site in the very near future.
The website will be filled with information about the 2008 swim.
There are 3 divisions for swimmers to choose from. Solo swimmer; 2 person relay and 3 person relay. Custom made awards will be given to first place overall male and female, first place 2 person relay team and first place 3 person relay team. All solo swimmers who complete the full 12.5-mile swim will receive a medal.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the www.southernmostrunners.com website or received by mail through request by calling (305) 745-2860. There will be no registration the day of the swim. All swimmers must have a kayak or motorboat escort.We will hold our pre race meeting at the Keys Bible Center on Thursday, June 19th. The Bible Center is located at 1000 Coppitt Road on Big Coppitt Key. That is at the corner of US1 and Coppitt Road (mile marker 9.75 on US1). If you need further assistance in finding this facility call my cell at 305-394-5292. The meeting will begin at 6:00PM promptly. I hope it last no longer than 75 minutes at tops. We will go over the rules, the course and answer any and all questions.
I suggest you arrive at the Bible Center as soon as possible as you will need to sign in and receive your T-shirt and number. We will have our volunteers waiting for you by 4:30PM to make sure you are ready for the 6PM meeting. This meeting is mandatory. There will be no registration on Friday morning.
MEDIA: CONTACT EVENT COORDINATOR BILL WELZIEN AT 305-745-2860 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
The 32nd Annual Swim around Key West is looking for boaters and kayakers that know the waters around Key West and are willing to accompany solo swimmers and teams in their swim around the island. If you have a boat or kayak and are interested in joining a swimmer please contact Don Nelson 305-304-0091, if you are a willing kayaker without a kayak, kayaks are available and arrangements can be made to train you to help a swimmer accomplish this prestigious event.
2006 winners
1 Marcos Diaz La Julia, Santo Domingo DOM 3:54:31, Left
2 James Barkman Soldotna AK 4:37:50, Right
3 Carina Bruwer South Africa 4:39:45, Center