We’d like to thank all swimmers pre-registered for the Tom Wear Memorial Swim. As of today there are 103 pre-registered swimmers and we are expecting more before race day and on race day.
Wetsuit Division - Many have asked about the use of wetsuits due to the unusually cold summer and recent weather. Currently the water temp is 72, but has been fluctuating between 68 and 70 on many days in our swim area. This week we are blessed with warmer days and nights and the temp is holding at night and increasing some days. Hopefully the water will stay at 72 for race day. We want everyone to have a great swim and be comfortable during that swim. Therefore, we setup a wetsuit division. You will start with either the open or USMS group but have a separate awards category. There will now be awards for a wetsuit division for overall 1-3rd place men and 1-3rd place woman. If you plan to wear a wetsuit please let us know during the registration process.
Shorter Distance Offering - Another popular question has been whether we plan to offer a shorter distance for those that are newer to swimming, or to open water swimming. We will now offer a .25 mile race starting at OH! Sullivan’s and finishing at the same location as others. If you would like to sign up for this option please let me know by Friday morning because we’re starting the pre registration process and numbering on Friday afternoon. There are different number sequences for each wave/race and if we don’t know until race day we’ll need to redo your registration numbering. Awards for top 3 overall men and woman will be given for this new distance.
Navigation is another popular question so we wanted to make sure everyone knew the course will be very well marked and the lake is generally very flat. Currently the course is a large triangle, but may be slightly changed if we find weed raking is not successful in one course area on Friday. Our goal is a nice well marked, weed free swim for all.
The weather forecast for Sunday morning is still sunny with rain starting later in the day. Since the temperatures are fluctuating we’ve purchased mylar blankets for each swimmer, which will be put around you upon completion of the race. Awards should begin approximately 20 minutes after the last swimmer completes the race. There is a one hour race limit since the Marine Police are stopping boat traffic for us. After awards the Wearhouse Grille will open early and serve a special breakfast menu for anyone interested in enjoying a post race meal. Other area restaurants are open as well.
There will be bathroom and porta potty facilities for use pre and post race.
As an additional fundraiser we’re hosting a tricky tray, candy and baked good sale where proceeds go to our selected charity, Jefferson Township Animal Shelter. Post race there will be water, coffee, tea and fruit available at no charge for all swimmers. We’ll also have a portable outside heater for those wanting additional warmth.
Schedule - Registration will be from 7:30 to 8:30am and must stop promptly at 8:30am so we can proceed with the swimmer’s meeting. At 8:45 we will begin line up by race numbers and division so all swimmers can be counted as they enter the water, and prepare to count upon exit. Safety will be our top priority of the day so we ask for everyone’s cooperation during this period. Those wishing to do the .25 mile distance can bring their belongings to the race start and we’ll bring them back to the finish for you. The race will begin promptly at 9am with the USMS Division and .25 race start, and the Open Division now starting at 9:03am. The Marine Police are stopping all boat traffic for our race so we want to be sure we are timely to avoid issues.
If you know others planning to register on race day please encourage them to come no later than 8am for registration because we must stop all registration by 8:30am. We don’t want anyone to miss out on this swim opportunity but we must comply with marine police schedule to be fair to all boaters.
Directions and Parking – The physical street address for registration is 157 State Route 181, Lake Hopatcong NJ 07849. There will be signage to guide swimmers to the event.
Where to park?
Please park in one of the following locations:
1. Wearhouse Grille
2. Lorettacong Drive (street across from the Wearhouse)
3. Route 181 Southbound by Wearhouse and Marinas (as long as your car stays inside of the white shoulder line...police will be checking this)
4. Oh! Sullivans (about a quarter mile walk)
Please do not park in the following locations:
In or in front of Flash Marina
In or in front of Lake Hopatcong Marina (next to Oh! Sullivans)
On 181 Northbound if you cannot stay inside the shoulder line
We look forward to meeting everyone on race day. Thanks again for your support by attending our event.
Bridgette Hobart
Race Director
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