Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run
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Event details
The 20th Annual Beaufort River Swim and 5K Run takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902. All proceeds benefit the Wardle Family YMCA's Learn to Swim program. Event options include:
- 3.2 mile Beaufort River Swim
- 1 mile Swim
- 3.2 mile Swim / 5K Run (single participant)
- 1 mile Swim / 5K Run (single participant)
- Relay options for both swim distances and swim/run combinations
Fees vary by event and increase after March 7, 2026 for listed events. There is no same-day registration; registration closes Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Course, logistics and rules
The 3.2 mile swim follows the Beaufort River estuary, beginning at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina and finishing at the day dock adjacent to Beaufort Waterfront Park. The 1 mile swim begins at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock and finishes at the same location. Large yellow buoys mark the swim route; safety personnel will be on standup paddleboards, kayaks and the day dock. Water temperature is usually in the mid 70s and surface conditions can range from calm to choppy.
Buses transport swimmers from the downtown marina to starting points. Swimmers must check in before boarding and retrieve race bags at the downtown marina after the event. Equipment and headphones are not permitted for the swim. Wet-suits are allowed but make participants ineligible for awards. The 5K run follows the waterfront park, crosses Woods Memorial swing bridge, goes down Meridian Road to a marked turnaround, and finishes along the seawall; the bridge is not closed to marine traffic and may open during the run. Awards include top finish recognitions for listed events. Entry fees are non-refundable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
