10K Race Details and Qualifications
This race is the length of Horsetooth Reservoir. Swimmers (and paddlers) will start at Satanka Bay (north end) and swim to South Bay swim beach. The start will be in the water. The finish will be out of the water, on the beach.
Eligibility
The 10K event is open to all United States Masters Swmming (USMS) registered swimmers and any USA Swimming (USAS) registered swimmer at least 13 years of age as of race day.
USMS swimmers who have not previously completed the Horsetooth 10K Swim are required to obtain approval prior to registration from George Thornton or Joe Bakel by describing their past experience in long distance open water swimming and how they will prepare to swim 10K at approximately 5400 feet (1700 meters) in 62 to 70° F (16 to 21°C) water.
We require approval for safety reasons. See the FAQ for description of the challenges of this event. Describe how you will meet these challenges.
USAS swimmers (ages 13 and above) in the 10K have additional requirements:
- Swimmers must supply their own craft/paddler
- Parent or parent-assigned adult (written approval from parent) must be on the craft
- Must perform a qualifying open water swim of at least 2 hours:
1. Without stopping, with the exception of feeding,
2. In open water with water temperatures colder then 70 °F,
3. Fill out and submit an Open Water Log Sheet of the swim - Submit a list of open water experience
- Submit an essay to the Horsetooth Swim committee on why they want to swim the Horsetooth 10K. What motivates them to swim the event? What do they plan to do to prepare for the race?
USAS swimmers should contact Joe Bakel of their intent to swim as soon as possible. The swimmer should submit all the requirements for approval before registering for the the swim.
With committee approval, a USAS swimmer may register before completing the qualifying open water swim but the registration fee is non-refundable. If the swimmer does not complete the qualifying swim and associated paperwork, they will not be allowed to swim.
Rules
Swimmers must wear the race swim cap.
All USMS Long Distance rules apply. USMS rules available here. Exceptions and clarifications are listed below:
Drafting
Unlike many open water events, the Horsetooth 10K Swim allows no drafting except where unavoidable at the start. If flagrant drafting is observed, that swimmer will be disqualified.
Swimsuit Definition
USMS swimwear rules apply. USMS rules available here. The swimsuit rules are in a state of flux. Please check the website as the race approaches for the latest rules. In addition to this list, the Horsetooth Swim has the following restriction: both men and women are allowed suits that go to just above the knees (jammer style) and may cover the shoulders as long as it is not made from material that gives floatation or traps air. Torso-type suits are legal. No wetsuits allowed in the 10K race.
Awards
Finisher certificates will be given to all finishers.
First, second and third place men and women will receive a trophy.
A traveling trophy, The Turner Cup, is awarded to the first man and first woman finisher.
Schedule
Saturday, August 18, 2012 (Swimmers & Paddlers):
5:00 pm - Check in for all swimmers and paddlers
5:30 pm - Dinner (All swimmers and paddlers must be checked in by 5:30 pm!)
6:00 to 7:00 pm - Orientation, safety overview, updates and instructions
Click here for more information and directions to the dinner
Sunday, August 19, 2012
5:00 am - Buses start loading at south end swim beach
5:30 am - Buses leave south end swim beach with swimmers and paddlers
6:00 am - Buses arrive at north end, Satanka Cove, boats loaded, swimmers are body marked and check in.
6:30 am Paddler and Swimmer Meetings (final update on race rules and conditions)
6:45 am Paddlers enter water and move into place
6:50 am Swimmers may enter water for warm-up
7:00 am Race start from the north end Satanka Cove
Pledge Program
A portion of the The Team Fort Collins Horsetooth Open Water Swim registration fee is just one of the ways Team Fort Collins raises money to fund programming.
We need your help to raise even more funds. Please check the pledge option when you register online, and help us continue to the fight against drug and alcohol abuse.
