RACE DAY DETAILS AND ATHLETE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to construction in the parking area, the race will return to its 2025 launch - you will go to the same location as last year, but we'll be at the boat ramp on your right rather than the kayak launch on your left. FOLLOW "RACE START" SIGNS TO PARKING AND START LINE. Do NOT park at the top of the hill like last year, rather follow the signs all the way down towards the river to the riverside parking area.
O'CRUD 10K & 2.4 Mile Open Water Swim
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Mt. Holly Boat Landing
Follow the RACE START signs to the parking / start area.
724 Elm Ave
Mt. Holly, NC
7:00 AM - Check-in opens
7:40 AM - PADDLER MEETING. ALL paddlers should arrive prior to 7:40 so they can attend this brief meeting,
7:45 AM - ATHLETE MEETING. All athletes should be checked in by 7:40 so they are prepared to attend the brief course meeting.
8:00 AM - 10K begins
8:05 AM - 2.4 mile begins
Parking:
There is plenty of parking on site. Follow the RACE START signs to the parking / start area. NOTE: If you swam with us in the past, the parking and start line have changed slightly due to construction. The location is the same as in past years, there is just a different parking/start area.
Check-in:
- All swimmers must check in upon arrival.
- All swimmers must have their racer number marked on their calf and arm (or an area not covered by your wetsuit). We will have volunteers there to do that for you, or you are welcome to mark before you arrive.
- All swimmers will check in one more time as they enter the water.
Safety Kayakers - 10K:
- ALL 10K swimmers are required to have a one-on-one safety kayaker. If we have arranged one for you, we will connect you with your kayaker via email no later than Monday, April 27th.
- If you are arranging your own kayaker, your kayaker must check in with race officials upon arrival.
Safety Kayakers - 2.4 Mile:
- There will be course monitors in kayaks along the 2.4 mile course.
Kayaks:
- If you rented a kayak from us, it will be waiting for you riverside when you arrive. If you are bringing your own kayak, feel free to pull all the way down to the river to unload before parking.
Water Temperature:
- Water temperature is usually between 67-70 this time of year. Our best prediction is that it will be about 68 degrees on race day.
Wetsuits:
- We will follow what we believe are the most common wetsuit rules.
- 78 degrees or lower, wetsuit legal
- over 78 degrees, wetsuits can we worn but not award eligible
- 84 degrees or over, no wetsuits allowed
Current:
- We expect there to be very little current on race day.
Course and time limits:
- This is an in-water treading gun start. You can view the course map HERE. There are NO time limits for this race.
- Swimmers begin heading upstream towards Mt Island Lake Dam. When you reach the dam you will turn around for a nice downstream course for the second half of your race. 2.4 Mile swimmers also start upstream and turn around 1.2 miles in to finish the second half downstream. All swimmers will receive instructions on race day about where to turn around.
Race Timing & Awards:
- Your official finish time is recorded at the finish line on land.
- Timing is recorded to an app. Race timers will use the bib number written on your arm to record your finish time. Results will be available after the race, though there is sometimes a small delay due to poor internet connectivity in this area.
- Awards will be given to top 3 overall Male and Female winners for the 10K. There are no awards for the 2.4 mile.
WEATHER POLICY:
- We will swim rain or shine. If there is significant weather in the area or lightning in the vicinity, the race will be postponed for 30-60 minutes in hopes that the lightning will pass. If weather permits we will begin 30 to 60 minutes later. If we are unable to safely start later, the race will be cancelled.
Amenities:
- There will be a portable restroom on site.
Questions:
- Please contact steph@goaheadevents.com
