The 10K event is open to all USMS registered swimmers at least 18 years of age as of race day and USS registered swimmers at least 13 years of age as of race day.
USMS Swimmers (ages 18 and over) 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 to 18) in 10K have additional requirements:
USAS swimmers should contact Joe Bakel to inform the committee 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 Horsetooth committee approval, a USAS swimmer can register before completing the qualifying open water swim but remember that the registration fee is non-refundable. If the swimmer does not complete the qualifing swim and associated paperwork, they will not be allowed to swim.
All USMS Long Distance Rules rules apply. USMS rules available here. Exceptions/Clarifications are listed below:
Unlike many open water events, the Horsetooth 10K Swim allows no drafting except where unavoidable (ie the start). If a 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. In addition to this list, the Horsetooth Swim has the following restriction:
Both men and women are allowed suits that can go to just above the knees (jammer style) and can cover the shoulders as long as it is not made from material that gives floatation or traps air. Torso-type suits are legal.
The 2.4 mile USMS event is open to all USMS registered swimmers at least 18 years of age as of race day.
Swimmers may register as either a 'wetsuit' or 'non-wetsuit' swimmer. For the purposes of the 2.4 mile swim, the same definition of swimsuit is used as for the 10K swim.
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. In addition to this list, the Horsetooth Swim has the following restriction:
Both men and women are allowed suits that can go to just above the knees (jammer style) and can cover the shoulders as long as it is not made from material that gives floatation or traps air. Torso-type suits are legal.
The 2.4 mile USAS event is open to all USAS registered swimmers at least 13 years of age and no older than 18 years as of race day.
No wetsuits are allowed for the USAS 2.4 mile swim. Female suits may have shoulders with short sleeves. Male swimmers may not wear "tops" and their jammers may extend to just above the knee.
The 1 mile event is open to all USAS and USMS registered swimmers at least 13 years of age as of race day.
No wetsuits are allowed for the 1 mile swim. Female suits may have shoulders with short sleeves. Male swimmers may not wear "tops" and their jammers may extend to just above the knee.
The 1000 yard event is open to all USAS registered swimmers at least 10 years of age and no older than 18 as of race day
No wetsuits are allowed for the 1000 yard swim. Female suits may have shoulders with short sleeves. Male swimmers may not wear "tops" and their jammers may extend to just above the knee.
The 250 yard event is open to all USAS registered swimmers at least 8 years of age and no older than 10 years of age as race day.
No wetsuits are allowed for the 250 yard swim. Female suits may have shoulders with short sleeves. Male swimmers may not wear "tops" and their jammers may extend to just above the knee.