NEW EVENT
CANAQUA SPORTS MID-SUMMER CLASSIC
August 6, 2023
OUR BIGGEST EVENT EVER
Since starting our events at the Welland Canal in 2018, this location has become the focal point of our Ontario events, with races at both the Welland Boathouse in June and the Flatwater Centre in September. Now as we move into the new season, we are very excited to bring the Canaqua Sports Mid-Summer Classic to the Welland International Flatwater Centre. This event features our standard open water swim events as well as a 13K SwimRun Challenge, that will run in and around this section of the Welland Recreational Canal
Our CLASSIC Events
Midsummer Open Water Swim
Come and join us in the beautiful Welland Recreational Canal and pick your distance. Choose from our 1K, 2.5K, 5K and 10K distances
- Course: The course will be a 2.5 k loop. All swimmers will do 1, 2, or 4 loops depending on their chosen distance. For the 1 K distance, we have a special 1 k loop that swimmers will utilize for that distance only
- The Mid-Summer Open Water Swim is open to swimmers of all ages 12 and up. We invite all who are interested to come and join us and have a great swim at this great venue.
Mudskipper Mid-Summer SwimRun Classic
Come and join us for what may be the fastest Swimrun event in the world.
Distance, 13K
This event takes place in and around the Welland Canal at the International Flatwater Centre. With 7 stages, which include 4K of swimming and 9K of running this event is built for speed.
NEW DIVISION
Introducing
Mudskipper Teams
Due to popular demand, we are pleased to introduce our newest Swimrun division. Mudskipper Teams
Grab a partner and complete the Canaqua Sports Midsummer Classsic Swimrun Challenge as a team.
Registration fees
1k swim Closed
Online registration closed-
-
$60.00Jan. 20 – Apr. 3
-
$65.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 29
-
$75.00Jun. 30 – Aug. 4
-
2.5k swim Closed
Online registration closed-
1 x 2.5k lap
-
$60.00Jan. 20 – Apr. 3
-
$65.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 29
-
$75.00Jun. 30 – Aug. 4
-
5k swim Closed
Online registration closed-
2 x 2.5k laps
-
$65.00Jan. 20 – Apr. 3
-
$70.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 29
-
$80.00Jun. 30 – Aug. 3
-
ClosedAug. 3 – Aug. 4
-
10k swim Closed
Online registration closed-
4 x 2.5k laps
-
$65.00Jan. 20 – Apr. 3
-
$70.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 29
-
$80.00Jun. 30 – Aug. 3
-
ClosedAug. 3 – Aug. 4
-
Mudskipper Mid-Summer SwimRun Challenge Closed
Online registration closed-
Welcome to the Mudskipper Mid-Summer SwimRun Challenge where participants will swim and run in and around the Welland Canal at the Welland International Flatwater Centre. This event is sure to be fast as the run is flat and the water is great. We have set up this course to be great for spectators as well. Total Distance 12.50 K
-
$90.00Jan. 20 – Apr. 3
-
$100.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 29
-
$110.00Jun. 30 – Aug. 4
-
Mudskipper Teams Mid-Summer SwimRun Challenge Closed
Online registration closed-
Something new from the Mudskipper SwimRun Challenge. Mudskipper Teams adds a new dimension to our swimrun events with the traditional team format with 2 member teams competing together to complete the event.
-
$100.00
Per Person
Jan. 20 – Jun. 29 -
$110.00
Per Person
Jun. 30 – Aug. 4
-
2.50 K course
The swim course for the 2.50 K, 5.00 K and 10.00 K distances will be a 2.50 K loop that will start at the community centre dock and run along the canal. For those doing the longer races, the dock itself will act as the location of a feeding station for all swimmers
1.0 K Course
The perfect distance for new swimmers comes complete with its own course.
Midsummer SwimRun Classic
Calling all Swimrunners and triathletes who love the shorter and faster events. The Mudskipper Midsummer Swimrun Classic includes four swims in the Welland Recreational Canal and three runs around the Canal that are flat and fast, creating the perfect conditions for an amazing event. With a total distance of just under 12K, we have 5,400 meters of swimming and 6,400 meters of running.
So come on out to the Welland International Flatwater Center for what is going to be a great day for SwimRun in Canada
Stage 1 (Swim) and 2 (Run)
Stage 3 (Swim) and 4 (Run)
Stage 5 (Swim) and 6 (Run)
Stage 7 (Swim)
Race Info
Location: 16 Townline Tunnel Rd, Welland, ON L3C 2T4 (Welland Recreational Waterway)
Check-in: Welland International Flatwater Center
All races finish at the Welland International Flatwater Centre on Townline Tunnel Rd, Welland.
Facilities & Food:
- Washrooms will be available
- Food will be provided
Race Details
- Swim caps will be provided for each swimmer and MUST BE WORN for identification purposes during the race
- A number will be inked on upper back/shoulder of each swimmer
- Water temperature at this time of year ranges between 68 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit
- The race is an in-water start and finish
- A time limit will be strictly enforced and any swimmer still racing at this time will be removed from the course (2.5k- 1.5 hours, 5k- 2.5 hours, 10K- 4.5hours)
- Swimmers should not undertake this swim unless they are physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate safely
- There will not be a "rain date" and a delay (or cancellation) would only occur in the event of lightning
Swimrun Characteristics
For those of you who are new to the sport of SwimRun, we understand that it may seem like a very daunting sport. Swimming with Paddles and with your shoes on, Running in a wetsuit. Yes, this is all very different and has helped to make SwimRun a very unique sport. Here are some of the basics that you will need to know about SwimRun. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at info@canaquasports.com and we will be happy to give you tips to get started
Equipment
There are many equipment options that are available for swimrun. Here is a list of what you should consider, Note that there are many swimrun-specific items, such as a short wetsuit designed to run in as well as swim in, and pull buoys that strap around your leg for when you are running. Our suggestion, start slowly and make certain that you like the sport, which we are certain that you will, before buying an entire assortment of swimrun-specific items.
Wetsuit
Wearing wetsuits is optional for most SwimRun Challenge events. For those who prefer to wear a wetsuit you don’t need to have a SwimRun-specific model to take part – any swimming (Tri) wetsuit will do so long as you can move freely enough in it to run and it will keep you warm enough on long swims.
Shoes
The shoes you wear for SwimRun not only need to be comfortable for the long distances of technical trail running that you’ll be doing in your race but also need to be suitable for use in the water. Make sure they are a snug fit so they don’t come off when swimming and that they don’t soak up much water and drain well. Running with wet shoes on slippery rocks requires good traction so good grip soles are essential!
Swim cap
In many SwimRun competitions, the organizer provides a swimming cap (we will be providing Canaqua Sports swim caps). These are mandatory for all participants
Accessories
Goggles
Goggles are essential to avoid getting water in your eyes. You will need to have a clear vision for sighting in open water. Cold water can also be quite uncomfortable on the face and eyes so covering up helps a lot! Goggles come in all shapes and sizes so try lots on and select a pair that fits your face well. Test them well in open water beforehand – there is nothing more irritating than leaky goggles! It might be worth having a couple of pairs at the ready with different lenses. On dull days clear lenses will be best but on bright sunny days, a tinted or polarized pair will help stop glare from the water. Some participants carry a second pair of spare goggles in case they lose them whilst running. Think about how you are going to carry them if you take them off your head to run.
Hand paddles
Many people use hand paddles for SwimRun. These add some extra power to your strokes by increasing the ‘catch’ area of your hand. There are many different types of paddles on the market, but you’ll need some that have straps to hold it on your hand or they can easily come off and be lost in open water. You’ll also need to think about how you are going to carry them on your runs and practice your transitions – getting out on rocky ground is hard when you have paddles on your hands!
If you decide to use paddles you must train with them a lot! Using paddles takes good technique and puts a lot of strain on your shoulders and back muscles. You need to build up the strength to be able to use them over long distances. If you don’t you will soon find you get very tired and worse you can injure yourself!
Pull buoy
SwimRun rules state that you can use any flotation aids so long as they are no bigger than 100 cm x 60 cm! Most people use a pull buoy. This float, which you hold between your legs instead of kicking, gives you extra buoyancy and allows you to save your legs during the swims. You’ll appreciate this when it is time to run! Using a pull buoy is generally why people decide to use the hand paddles as the extra propulsion makes up for the loss of the power from the kick. Pull buoys come in different shapes and sizes – what you use depends really on how much lift you need in your legs. For example, if you have a short wetsuit and heavy trainers you’ll need a bigger float.
Event schedule
- Sun., August 6, 2023 7:00 a.m. - Onsite Registration and check-in
- Sun., August 6, 2023 8:00 a.m. - Midsummer SwimRun Meeting
- Sun., August 6, 2023 8:30 a.m. - Midsummer SwimRun Classic Start Time
- Sun., August 6, 2023 8:45 a.m. - Mandatory Race Briefing 5K and 10K
- Sun., August 6, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 10k and 5k races begin
- Sun., August 6, 2023 9:30 a.m. - Mandatory Race Briefing 1K and 2.5K
- Sun., August 6, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 1.0k and 2.50 K races begins
Contact information
- Event contact
- Ian Feldman
- ian@canaquasports.com
- Phone
- +1 416-617-3558
- Website
- Visit website
