The Wow Race 2019 - We're Back!
Join us for the second annual Wilmette Open Water (WOW) swim.
A fully supported one-mile open water swim race.
Saturday, June 22 for a 7:00 a.m. start
In the waters of Lake Michigan, just off of Wilmette's Gillson Beach.
No sharks, No salt, Occasionally frozen.
Each registration includes one official entry, race swim cap, event beach towel, and total bragging rights!
Your timing chip, official race swim cap, and towel will be available as you check in on race morning. All check in will be done at the NEW Gillson Beach House. There will also be time to warm up in the water, prior to the 7:00 a.m. start.
Any questions? Just write to [email protected] and we'll respond quickly.
Swim Race Day Details:
Parking
Free car and bike parking is available in the Gillson Beach Parking lot. Take Lake Avenue east of Sheridan Road and follow it down into the lot.
Swimmer Check In
All swimmers must check in between 6:15 and 6:45 a.m. to receive chips, body marking and your official swim cap. You will also be placed in one of two swim waves.
We'll be on site as early as 6:00 a.m., if you really want to get a jump on it. All pre-registered swimmer check in and walk up registration will be at the Gillson Beach House.
Walk Up Registration will close at 6:45. No exceptions.
Warm Up
Water will be open by 6:45 a.m. for warm-ups.
Mandatory Pre-race Talk
6:50 a.m. for everyone.
The Start
The WOW swim will begin from a standing start in the water. First wave starts at 7:00 a.m.. Second wave starts at 7:10 a.m.
The Course
This is a one-mile out and back swim. The course will be clearly marked. Your swim will be fully supported on water and on land. All swimming levels are welcome.
You will swim the entire race with the swim buoys on your right and exit the swim with the buoy on your right.
Wetsuits
Totally welcome. Your call. Your final time will reflect wetsuit/non wetsuit. If you are wearing a wetsuit, we'll ask you to check in with the race's timing director, once you have your chip, so that your time will reflect a wetsuit time.
The Official Towel
We'll have it waiting for you as you leave the water. Congratulations! Much more cozy than a medal.
Conditions
We anticipate great weather and water conditions at this point in the week. As you know, conditions can change quickly. Race directors will make the swim/no swim call as soon as there is visibility on race morning. Should conditions be too cold or difficult, you'll receive a text message calling the event off.
We're confident you'll get a great swim in on Saturday!
Spectators
The more the merrier! Come join us on the beach to cheer the swimmers on. Bring your cowbell.
The WOW swim race course outline is below. The start will be just off of the sailing beach. The swim will go south toward the jetty/rocks, turn and finish near the start at the sailing beach. You'll keep the buoys on your right at all times on the way out and back. Good sighting options in both directions. You'll all have very bright neon caps that will NOT be the same color as the buoys. Once you reach the final buoy, you'll see the exit shoot and you're back on the beach through the timing corral. Welcome back and congratulations.
The course may be slightly adjusted, based on existing conditions. Please use this for reference:
