Swim the Loop
When is Swim the Loop?
Swim the Loop takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026 in Wilmington, NC.
What distances does Swim the Loop offer?
Swim the Loop offers 2 events: Motts Channel Sprint, Swim the Loop.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motts Channel Sprint | 1.3 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Swim the Loop | 3.5 mi | $85.00 | Register |
How much does Swim the Loop cost?
Registration for Swim the Loop starts at $40.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Swim the Loop held?
Swim the Loop is held in Wilmington, NC at 1308 Airlie Road.
About Swim the Loop
Swim The Loop starts and finishes at the Dockside Restaurant, which is located on Airlie Road (Wilmington side of the Intracoastal Waterway). The race will start at a high tide to ensure an even, but challenging tide pattern throughout the 3.5-mile swim. Don’t be fooled though; there will be times of incoming tide, falling tide and some slack tide.
Mott’s Channel Sprint starts at the Trailborn Surf & Sound, located on Wrightsville Beach, and finishes across the intracoastal at the Dockside Restaurant on Airlie Road. The course is approximately 1.3 miles long and is a point-to-point swim. The race will start at a high tide to try and ensure a slight incoming to slack tide throughout the 1.3-mile swim.
Frequently asked Questions
CAN ANYONE PARTICIPATE?
Swim The Loop 3.5 is for intermediate to the advanced swimmer and this event is considered an endurance event. The distance exceeds 5K (3.1 miles) and with tide changes and time cut-offs the novice swimmer may find this swim a bit challenging for their level.
Mott's Channel Sprint is meant for the beginner to advanced swimmer. The distance is 1.3 miles and can take anywhere from 25 minute to 60 minutes to complete. The tide change is not as noticeable in this swim making it easier than Swim The Loop.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED?
There is no thick black line to follow on this course or clear water to see all; so please utilize caution. Respect the water and the water will respect you. Throughout the course there are all sorts of marine life that live in the waters in which YOU will be swimming. You will be guided through the safest route around Harbor Island or point to point. Swimming off course can result in shallow marshy waters or close contact with docks and pilings. The shallow waters, docks, pilings contain barnacles and/or oysters that can harm you. If you need to rest or need aid raise your hand and help will come. In case of inclement/dangerous weather the race will be canceled and/or swimmers will be pulled out of the water. Safety is always first.
HOW IS THE COURSE MARKED AND ARE THERE AID STATIONS?
The course will be marked with 60" round orange marker buoy's, which are sight buoys and can be passed on either side. There will be an anchored boat at miles 1, 2, and 3 with water, gels, and Gatorade. There will be at least 1 kayaker/SUPer (stand up paddle boarder) between each buoy. One kayaker or SUPer will be with the lead swimmer and another will be with the last swimmer.
CAN I WEAR A WETSUIT?
This will be determined race week. Race Director Kristen will make the call depending on water temperature and weather. However, if the water temperature drops below 74 more than likely wetsuits will be allowed.
WHAT TYPES OF WEATHER CONDITIONS/WATER TEMPERATURES CAN I EXCEPT FOR RACE DAY?
Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are beautiful in the months of September and October. The race will take place in late September, which will be the FIRST time the events have fallen in this month. Hurricane season does not end until November 30th. The average air temperature is 75° with an average water temperature of 77-80°. The average wind speed is between 5-10 mph and usually comes from the Southwest. On race morning the expected sunrise is 7:15am with a high tide of 5.42 ft at 8:17am.
DOES THIS RACE BENEFIT ANY ORGANIZATION?
Yes, A portion of the race proceeds will go to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. Our Flotilla serves the New Bern and Oriental, NC area Recreational Boating Safety needs. We focus on promoting and improving Recreational Boating Safety through Public Education, Vessel Safety Inspections, providing Trained Coxswains, Crews and Facilities to augment the Coast Guard on our local waterways, Emergency Response and Assistance, and Supporting the U.S. Coast Guard Mission, Operational, Marine Safety, Administrative and Logistical Requirements
WHEN IS PACKET PICK-UP?
Packet pick-up will be Saturday 10/10 from 4:00-7:00pm at Dockside Restaurant. There will be packet pick up Sunday morning 6:00-7:30am. At packet pick-up you will receive your pre-race bag with your race cap, timing chip, race shirt, and swag.
Event information and updates will be sent out by email to all registered swimmers prior to race day.
IS THE PRE-RACE MEETING MANDATORY?
Nope. Since we went virtual, we highly recommend you watch our video and if you have questions ask them :)
WHAT IF THE RACE IS CANCELED?
If the event is canceled due to inclement weather prior to event weekend or morning of, no refunds will be issued. Registered swimmers will receive a 50% credit towards the 2027 race.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
We do not allow rollovers to future year’s races BUT you can transfer to another person if you wish to do so.
-Refund amount is based on time of request and base entry fee paid less a $5 administrative fee.
-Refund deadline for full refund (minus $5) – now through 6/15/26, 11:59pm
-Refund deadline for half refund (minus $5) – 6/15/26 through 8/01/26, 11:59pm
-NO refunds after 8/01/26
WHAT ARE THE AWARDS LIKE?
Top 3 overall males
Top 3 overall master males (40 and above)
Top 3 overall females
Top 3 overall master females (40 and above)
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO PARTICIPATE?
SWIM THE LOOP 3.5
The youngest age allowed will be 16. If you’re 16-17 years old you will need parental consent which will be found on the wavier and release form. Your age classification is determined by your actual age on the day of the race (10/11/2026).
MOTTS CHANNEL SPRINT 1.3
Open to all novice, intermediate and advanced swimmers aged 11 and older. Age determination for this event is based on actual age the day of the race (10/11/2026).
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
We need skilled kayakers and stand-up-paddle boarders.
We will also need general volunteering for race management, which will take place at Dockside Restaurant.
Where to Stay
Trailborn Surf & Sound
Trailborn Surf & Sound sits on three acres of prime beachfront, offering water views from every room and direct access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the sound—one of the East Coast’s rare dual-waterfront resorts. Thoughtfully reimagined with laid-back design and welcoming spaces, the hotel captures the easy charm that’s made Wrightsville Beach one of America’s favorite surf towns. Take a surf lesson, cruise the islands on a boat tour, organize a sunset picnic, or let the kids enjoy in-room camping—all available through the resort. Or, keep things easy with a dip in the pool, a nap in your private cabana, or beachside bites and cocktails from Blockade Surf Bar. End the day with a meal at La Duna Paradiso and Bar Duna, where fresh-catch Italian and Mediterranean flavors meet the coast.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are beautiful in the months of September and October. The race will take place 20 days into the fall season and hurricane season does not end until November 30th. The average air temperature is 75° with an average water temperature of 75-79°. The average wind speed is between 5-10 mph and usually comes from the Southwest. On race morning the expected sunrise is around 7:15am with a high tide of 5.42ft at 8:17am.
Swim The Loop starts and finishes at the Dockside Restaurant, which is located on Airlie Road (Wilmington side of the Intracoastal Waterway). The race will start at a high tide to ensure an even, but challenging tide pattern throughout the 3.5-mile swim. Don’t be fooled though; there will be times of incoming tide, falling tide and some slack tide.
Mott’s Channel Sprint starts at the Trailborn Surf & Sound, located on Wrightsville Beach, and finishes across the intracoastal at the Dockside Restaurant on Airlie Road. The course is approximately 1.3 miles long and is a point-to-point swim. The race will start at a high tide to try and ensure a slight incoming to slack tide throughout the 1.3-mile swim.
RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY
Pre-Race Virtual Video
This video will be pre-recorded and sent to all swimmers. It will also be posted on FaceBook. This video will go over the following -
- Race Rules
- Course Details
- Updated Weather and review of tide
- Water Safety
- Course Tips and Tricks
- Appropriate Swim Gear
- What to expect on race day
- Parking and Shuttles
- TT Starts for both races
SATURDAY
Packet pick-up for both Swim The Loop and Mott's Channel Sprint
4:00-7:00PM at Dockside Restaurant - (https://goo.gl/maps/u5kBTPMR29ZaypWR9)
Pre-Race Virtual Video
Athletes are recommend to watch this. We will go over the rules, swim gear, course, and give advice on how to swim each race efficiently.
SWIM THE LOOP 3.5 and MOTT’S CHANNEL SPRINT 1.3
The Virtual Video will be posted Wednesday evening 10/07/2026, time TBD
SUNDAY
Starting at 6:00AM - 7:30AM Late Packet pick-up and CHIP PICK UP
Body marking
Your swim cap and arms must be marked with your race number. This number must be bold and large. Your cap will already have the number on it so please mark either your UPPER arms or TOP of your hands before swimming
Mott's Channel Sprint SHUTTLE to START (Trailborn Surf and Sound)
6:30-7:45AM. PAID meters start at 9:00am if you choose to park at the start. The fee is $5.00-$6.00 an hour.
You will be picked up at Dockside
Pre-Race Virtual Video
Will be recorded and posted 10/07/26 in the evening. Time TBA
SWIM THE LOOP and MOTT'S CHANNEL SPRINT WILL START AT 8:00AM
At the start everyone must cross over the timing mats before entering the water (Swim The Loop) or a mass start (Mott's Channel Sprint). At either start let the more competitive swimmers start up front. If you wait 10-30 seconds at the start, you will have plenty of room and won’t have to worry about contact with another swimmer. At 11:00AM you must be finished with the swim course. If you do not make the time cut-off you will be pulled from the water and be brought back to Dockside.
THERE WILL BE A HARD CUT-OFF for SWIM THE LOOP at the green channel marker 23. IF YOU DO NOT PASS THIS POINT BY 2.5 HRS YOU WILL BE PULLED FROM THE COURSE.
Awards at Dockside Restaurant
Motts Channel 1.3 9:00 am
Swim The Loop 3.5 10:30 am
Post-race food and drinks will be from 8:30am-11:00am.
Event Parking
Parking will be available at Dockside’s main lot and larger side lot. Both lots are marked as Dockside Parking. There is plenty of parking; however, street parking is not allowed. Please DO NOT park at any other businesses along Airlie Rd unless you have approved permission.
SUPPORT FOUNDATION
NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL FEDERATION
Does the race benefit a charity?
Yes! A portion of the race proceeds goes to support the North Carolina Coastal Federation,a non-profit conservation organization. We firmly believe in the importance of keeping our coasts clean, since clean coastal waters is something we all need to live and play! Through education, advocacy and restoration, the North Carolina Coastal Federation works in our region to keep polluted stormwater out of our Swim the Loop waters and to restore oyster reefs and wetlands.
