12.5-Mile Swim Around Key West Open to Swimmers in June

For those who enjoy long distance swimming, the spirit of competition, and some associated fun in the Florida Keys, the upcoming 12.5-mile open-water swim around Key West on Saturday, June 14, will be perfect.

Swimmers will compete, either solo or in relay teams of two to six people, with or without fins, in a swim around the island. Known as the annual Florida Keys Community College Swim Around Key West, competitors will check in at 7:30 a.m. for the race scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.



The swimming course begins at the boat ramp at Smathers Beach, near the intersection of South Roosevelt Boulevard meets Bertha Street. The route continues in a clockwise path around the island taking swimmers through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, ending where they began at Smathers Beach.

The race is open for swimmers to compete for awards in multiple age categories ranging from 12 and under to 65 and older. Competitors should provide their own support crews and escort boats, but can’t touch the boats except for teams making relay changes. Lifeguards and kayaks will be positioned throughout the course for safety.

During the race, swimmers will also pass Key West landmarks including the Southernmost Point marker and Mallory Square.

Registration for the swim race must be complete by Friday, June 13, and must check in that day between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Florida Keys Community College pool.

The entry fee is $100 per solo swimmer, $160 per two-person relay team, $240 per three-person team, $320 per four-person team, $400 per five-person team and $480 per six-person team. Discounts are available for United States Masters Swimming and USA Swimming members.

More event information and online registration can be found at: www.fkccswimaroundkeywest.com.