12th Annual Charles Bender Memorial Swim and Relay
Presented by French Creek Racing, this event honors Charles Bender, a former race director. The swim is based on an exploratory swim by four men in September 2014.
Location: 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA, US, 19403
Parking and Directions: Use the GPS address 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA 19403. Walk south from the parking lot down the asphalt path toward the river, then turn left and walk east for about 200 yards to the launch area. Swimmers and kayakers may drop off equipment; limit loading time to 10 minutes. No parking in front of the launch area after 7:00 AM.
Races Offered:
- 8 Mile Swim: The "Classic" distance, available as Individual or 2-4 Person Relay. This is a round trip course with half the swim against the current.
- 15K Swim: Racers swim past the 422 bridge for an additional half mile each way.
- 6 Mile Swim: Swim to the western tip of Barbadoes Island and back.
All swimmers must have their own kayaker in proximity at all times. Kayak support can be provided upon registration for an additional fee. Wetsuits are allowed only if water temperature is below 68°F.
Bender Swim Schedule:
- Tuesday 9/1, 12 Noon: Online registration closes.
- Thursday 9/3, 5-7 PM: Practice swims available.
- Saturday 9/5, 5:30 AM: Swimmers and crew should arrive 45-60 minutes before their wave start time.
- Saturday 9/5, 6:30 AM: 15K swimmers start.
- Saturday 9/5, 7:00 AM: 8 mile swimmers start (ETA > 5 hours).
- Saturday 9/5, 7:30 AM: 8 mile swimmers start (< 4 hour estimated finish).
- Saturday 9/5, 7:45 AM: 6 mile swimmers start. (Start times may change slightly).
- Saturday 9/5, 1 PM: Finish time cutoff and Awards ceremony.
Important Policies:
- There are no refunds or rain dates. Entries may be deferred to the following year or another FCR event.
- Custom awards for top 3 M/F in each race.
- Course Details: All round trip courses start and finish at the launch point, swimming upstream toward Valley Forge National Park. Swimmers should follow channel markers and keep turn buoys on their left for counter-clockwise turns. Keep to the right of oncoming swimmers.
- Support: All racers are responsible for providing their own kayak support for safety and nutrition. French Creek Racing may offer emergency support at a feed station, but kayakers/swimmers should not rely on it.
- Cutoff Time: 6 hours, or 1 PM, whichever comes first.
- Restrooms: No onsite facilities. Nearest restroom at Betzwood trailhead parking lot (~600 meters away).
- Volunteering: Contact [email protected] to volunteer as a kayaker or for other roles.
- No Race Day Registration.
Inclement Weather Policy: Races are held rain or shine. Postponement due to lightning or water quality. A call will be made by 2 hours prior to the first heat. No refunds for any reason, including event cancellation. If cancelled, entries may be deferred.
Participants certify they are capable of completing the swim and understand the dangers of open water swimming.
Questions: Contact [email protected]