Event Description
This registration link is for French Creek Racing's Open Water Series, 6 swim races of 800m each, located at 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA 19403.
Interested in Coached Pool Swim Sessions? CLICK HERE
Interested in Delaware Open Water Swim Sessions? CLICK HERE
Interested in Open Water Training Swims? CLICK HERE
French Creek Racing presents our series of 6 open water swimming races (800 meters each) throughout the summer. 2021 race dates are: 5/18, 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, 8/3, and 8/24. Each race will be scheduled on Tuesday afternoon/evening with Thursday as a rain date.
Race address: 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA. This GPS address will get you to the parking lot. Absolutely no parking in front of our launch area.
Also includes: Virtual Triathlon, Virtual Duathlon, Virtual Aquabike, and Virtual 5K Races.
Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800 meters in open water before entering.
We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78ºF will be wetsuit legal and above 78º will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78ºF will simply compete as an unofficial racer.
FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times. After registering, swimmers may Reserve Their Space Here. The first swimmers will begin at 4:00 PM and there will be a 10 waves extending to a 6:45PM start time. Please respect "social distancing" and personal space between each other.
REGISTRATION: Pre-registration only. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. Please arrive only 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish dock prior to your wave start time.
You should select your wave start time after the registration process. When you arrive, check in at our table. You may take your choice of swim cap. Mark your own number and sanitize your hands. A bright colored cap or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers (your choice of color). Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB.
All racers, real and virtual, will receive a series t-shirt, and a custom pint glass award.
Registration ends at 9AM during the day of the event. No entries will permitted after that time.
REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event.
Check out the most accurate water conditions at this location here. Open Water Series Events are subject to cancellation or change due to weather (lightning, water quality, etc.). For the most up to date information on our location and schedule, join our Facebook Group.
Directions to Norristown Location:
From Trooper Rd. exit of 422, head toward the Betzwood trailhead on Trooper Rd. Make a left at the "T" to go under 422. Make another left to the parking lot and walk the short paved path to the starting point. We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge.
The 800m swim course will start slightly upriver, then about 390 meters downriver, returning upriver to the finish line. For more details, please review our Swim Course Map.
SWIM FINISH: These races will be hand timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating dock start/finish.
VIRTUAL COURSES: Complete the prescribed courses in any order you prefer. Transition times don't count. Record your own times and send them to us. We'll tabulate the times and give you a score for each of the 6 races. If you can't make it to our course, you can do your own, but please let us know if you decide to do so.
9.2 Mile Bike Course
1.5 Mile Run Course
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE COURSES ARE ALL OPEN TO VEHICULAR AND/OR BIKE/PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC. FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD/TRAIL AND YIELD AS NEEDED.
Virtual Tri = 800m swim, 9.2 mile bike, 1.5 mile run
Virtual Du = 1.5 mile run, 9.2 mile bike, 1.5 mile run
Virtual Aquathlon = 800m swim, 1.5 mile run
Virtual AquaVelo = 800m swim, 9.2 mile bike
Virtual 5K Run = 2 loops of the run course
Custom Awards for each category!
It is suggested that swimmers bring their own food and drinks. We will not have much on site, so anything you need, please bring it from home! If you have a fever or any flu-like symptoms, please do not come to race.
Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite. Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive. No changing on site. You should be wearing your suit when you arrive and when you leave.
PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
OPEN WATER SERIES EVENT OCCUR IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS. All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Generally, we will use www.phillyrivercast.org as a guideline of water quality. Ultimately, we will make a call by 12 noon and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. Rain dates are typically Thursday of the same week, unless we post otherwise. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!
Prizes
Custom pint glass awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/24) to claim their awards.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguaurds, kayakers, and much more. Please contact john@frenchcreekracing.com to help out, or simply register as a volunteer!
Private Lessons, Video Analysis, and Swim/Tri Coaching also available with Coach John Kenny. John is a 5-time US National Champion and 7-time US National Team member in open water swimming.
Contact John@FrenchCreekRacing.com for more details!
For more details, visit: www.FrenchCreekRacing.com
