Swim to the Moon Open Water Swim Festival

What is Swim to the Moon?

Swim to the Moon is an extraordinary open-water swimming adventure through the picturesque Hiland Chain of Lakes near Hell, Michigan. Choose your distance — .5 Mile, 1.2 Mile, 2.4 Mile, 5K, 10K or 15K — and have the time of your life swimming through Southeast Michigan’s most sublime waterways, all the while showing support for a very worthy cause: North Star Reach, a camp for children with life-threatening, serious, and chronic medical conditions.

The 5K swim starts on the shores of Patterson Lake at North Star Reach; from there, swimmers head south and east through the heavily forested Pinckney Recreation Area, passing through five lakes along the way. Scattered cottages are the only signs of civilization. The 5K will finish once they reach Halfmoon Lake Beach. 10K race participants start at Halfmoon Lake Beach, swim to the start of the 5K (where their “special needs” bags will be available), then turn around to head back to the shores of Halfmoon Lake Beach. The 15K race participants start on the shores of Patterson Lake at North Star Reach; from there, swimmers head south and east through the Hiland Chain of Lakes to Halfmoon Lake Beach where they will exit the water (where their "special needs" bags will be available), then head back to Patterson Lake Beach at North Star Reach where they will again, exit the water, access their special needs bags (if desired) and turn around to head back to Halfmoon Lake Beach for their finish. The .5 Mile, 1.2 mile, and 2.4 Mile swims start at Halfmoon Lake Beach. All events finish at the state beach on the east shore of Halfmoon Lake.

If you have a group, consider entering our team division!  High School Coaches/Captains: Please contact info@epicraces.com for a special group discount for your team!

This race is sanctioned by USMS. The USMS $20 one-event fee is built into the price.  If you are an annual member of USMS, $20 will be deducted from your race entry.

All 10K swimmers have 5 hours to complete the course.  

Cutoff point:
5K at North Star Reach - 3 hours

Gear Check
You will be given a clear drawstring bag to check your gear at the start line. It will be available to pick up by the finish line. You must use the provided bags, no personal bags will be accepted.

Special Needs Bag
You will be given a second clear drawstring bag. Please put anything special that you may need in this bag. This can range from Advil to fresh swim goggles to a slice of pizza or whatever you may want at the 5K turnaround point.  You will drop the bag in the designated receptacle at Halfmoon Lake Beach and it will be transported to North Star Reach where it will be available to you at the turnaround if you want it. You must use the provided bag, no personal bags will be accepted.

Packet pickup will not be available race morning.  See important packet pickup information.

All 15K swimmers have 6 hours to complete the course.  

Cutoff points:
5K at Halfmoon Lake Beach - 2 hours
10K at North Star Reach - 4 hours

Gear Check
You will be given a clear drawstring bag to check your gear at the start line. It will be available to pick up by the finish line. You must use the provided bags, no personal bags will be accepted.

Special Needs Bags
You will be given 2 clear drawstring bags. Please put anything special that you may need in these bags. This can range from Advil to fresh swim goggles to a slice of pizza or whatever you may want at the 5K and 10K turnaround points.  You will leave one bag at Halfmoon Lake Beach and bring the other with you to North Star Reach. Both locations will have receptacles to drop them and they will be available for you if you want them at the turnaround points. You must use the provided bags, no personal bags will be accepted.

Add purpose to your race experience by signing up to swim with our charity partner! When you register with our charity partner, you secure a spot in our sold-out events while fundraising for a great cause. Learn more below:
 
HOW IT WORKS
Each charity participant is required to fundraise a minimum amount for the charity partner to secure your spot. This cost includes your guaranteed spot in the 2026 event and your registration and service fees. Charity spots are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The official charity partner determines the fundraising minimum for each race, contact them for information.

SWIM TO THE MOON CHARITY SLOTS

Since 2010, generous participants have raised money to support North Star Reach's mission of providing life-changing camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families, completely free of charge. Thank you for helping make camp magic possible for these deserving kids!

To secure your spot, we ask for a commitment to send a seriously ill child to camp by raising a minimum of $1,000 for North Star Reach by August 31, 2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

Event: Swim to the Moon 
Date: Sunday, August 16
Commitment: Raise $1,000 for North Star Reach by August 31, 2026
Registration: www.swimtothemoon.net (Choose "charity" events during registration)

Questions?  Contact Cassy at 248-896-1116 or cassy@northstarreach.org.

Dreaming of your first 5K, 10K, or 15K?

Whether you are reaching for your first marathon finish line or looking to reclaim your confidence in the water, the Team B*REAL Training Pod is your mission control providing you with the expert coaching, reliable plans, and open water swim tactics that will launch your journey toward the Half, Full, or Super Moon.

For private coaching inquiries, schedule a connection call with coach Adina.

The "Pod" Experience

Swimming is an individual sport, but you rarely get there alone. As part of our Training Pod, you’ll receive:

• Expert Guidance
  One 30-minute 1:1 consult with Coach Adina to review your goals and personalize your plan. Two 60-minute webinars to prep your training and hype you for the race.
  
  
• Technical Feedback
  Optional Add-on for a 30-minute Zoom video analysis of your swim form.
  
  
• Real-World Strategy
  Learn how to draft in a "pod," navigate the famous culvert current, and create a fueling plan that supports hours in the water.
  
  
• Inclusive Spirit
  We celebrate every finisher. At Swim to the Moon, even if you don't hit the 15K cutoff, the Epic Races team ensures you are honored for the 10K distance you did conquer.

Choose Your Training Pod

A Note from Coach Adina

“I know what it’s like to set a goal and have the clock or the current work against you. In 2024 when I didn’t hit the Super Moon (15K) cutoff, I walked out of the water proud of the Full Moon (10K) I had conquered and even more determined to help others find their own version of success. In this pod, we celebrate every yard, because everyone in the water is ahead of anyone who isn’t trying.” 

Adina O’Neill, Founder of Team B*REAL

Saturday, August 15
North Star Reach
1200 University Camp Dr.
Pinckney, MI 48169
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🔹 All 15K and 10K swimmers must pick up their packets at North Star Reach on Saturday or select the mailing option during registration.

 
Race Day – Sunday, August 16 
Halfmoon Lake Beach
8725 Hankerd Rd
Gregory, MI 48137
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Available for:
5K, 2.4 Mile, 1.2 Mile, and Half-Mile Swims - not available for 15K or 10K

 
💌 Can’t Make It to Packet Pickup?
No problem!
Select “Mail my race packet” during registration.

Already registered?
You can still add this option by managing your registration before August 5.

Important: If you won’t be available to receive mail in the 10 days before race day, please do not select the mailing option.

Parking is be available at Halfmoon Lake Beach in the Pinckney Recreation Area which is a state park. All vehicles that enter any Michigan state park need a Recreation Passport. The Recreation Passport is your key to accessing state parks and recreation areas, boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, thousands of miles of trails, and other outdoor spaces – all year long!

The state's parks and recreation system is largely self-supporting. Funds derived from the Recreation Passport go right back into maintaining and improving the outdoor spaces we all love, and protecting natural resources for the next generation.

See current pricing HERE.

The Department of Natural Resources will be selling Recreation Passports at packet pickup.  Cash only!

If you don't have a pass and arrive so early that nobody is at the gate, you may find something that looks like a ticket when you return to your car.  No need to fret, it is not a ticket, just a notice asking you to pay the regular fee.  

Sunday Shuttle Bus
No parking is available at North Star Reach. All 15K & 5K swimmers must take the shuttle bus. 
Buses will begin departing from Halfmoon Lake Beach, 8725 Hankerd Rd, Gregory, MI, at 5:45 a.m. and will run every 15 minutes until 7:00 a.m.  Spectators may not ride the bus.

Pick up the bus in the upper parking lot at Halfmoon Lake Beach. 

You are invited to join the pre-race athlete briefing the Tuesday before the race.  The Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants. 

Missed it!! Watch the recording here.

Sleep where you swim and make a life-changing impact.

When you donate or raise $5,000+ for North Star Reach, you and your team can enjoy exclusive overnight lodging at camp on race weekend.

What’s included:

• Overnight stay in one of North Star Reach’s beautiful, climate-controlled cabins
• Easy race weekend ... pick up your packet on site, relax, and enjoy the peaceful camp setting
• Spacious cabins with 2 full bathrooms, 6 bunk beds, and 2 semi-private bedrooms (sleeping up to 12 people)
• Full access to explore camp and enjoy the magic of this incredible place
• Make a meaningful difference for campers, and create an unforgettable race weekend for your team

CLICK HERE TO DONATE AND/OR BECOME A FUNDRAISER

• All participants will receive an event shirt in traditional or fitted sizing
• All finishers will receive a usable bag tag finisher's medal
• 15K and 10K finishers will receive a custom finisher's towel

       2026 swag coming soon! 

Personal Swim Buoys  are allowed, but they MUST be a color other than orange and no larger than 20L (25" x 12").  If you are at the start line with an orange personal swim buoy larger than 20L (25" x 12"), you will not be able to use it in the event.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 17
5:30 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Registration Open
5:30 AM — Body Marking Opens
6:20 AM — Mandatory Meeting on the beach for 10K swimmers
6:30 AM — 10K swim starts
7:20 AM — Mandatory Meeting on the beach for 2.4 Mile swimmers
7:30 AM — 2.4 Mile swim starts
9:00 AM — 10K and 2.4 awards available for pick up
9:15 AM — Post-race athlete brunch (approximate time)
9:20 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Registration close
9:20 AM — Mandatory Meeting on the beach for Half-Mile and 1 Mile swimmers
9:30 AM — 1 Mile and Half-Mile swims start
10:00 AM — 1 Mile and Half-Mile awards available for pick up
12:00 PM — Course closed

Sunday, August 18

4:30 AM — Shuttle buses to Patterson Lake/North Star Reach start departing every 15 minutes
5:30 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Registration Open
5:30 AM — Body Marking Opens
5:50 AM — Mandatory Meeting on the beach for 15K swimmers
6:00 AM — 15K swim starts
7:00 AM — Last shuttle to Patterson Lake/North Star Reach departs
7:20 AM — Mandatory Meeting on the beach for 5K swimmers
7:30 AM — 5K swim starts
8:45 AM — Post-race athlete brunch (approximate time)
9:00 AM — 15K and 5K awards available for pick up
9:20 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Registration close
9:20 AM — Mandatory Meeting on the beach for Half-Mile and 1.2 Mile swimmers
9:30 AM — Half-Mile and 1.2 Mile swims start
10:00 AM — Post-race festivities!
12:00 PM — Course closed

All courses are subject to change at any time at the race director's discretion.

15K — The 15K swim course starts at Patterson Lake on the beach of North Star Reach, keeping the buoys on the left to Halfmoon Lake Beach. At Halfmoon Lake Beach, 15K swimmers exit the water, receive their "special needs" bag if they so desire, and return to swimming again, keeping the buoys on the left to Patterson Lake and the beach of North Star Reach. At North Star Reach, 15K swimmers exit the water, receive their “special needs” bag if they so desire, and return to swimming again, keeping the buoys on their left to Halfmoon Lake Beach for the finish. 

10K — The 10K swim course starts at Halfmoon Lake Beach, keeping the buoys on the left to Patterson Lake and the beach of North Star Reach. At North Star Reach, 10K swimmers exit the water, receive their “special needs” bag if they so desire, and return to swimming again, keeping the buoys on their left to Halfmoon Lake Beach for the finish.

5K — The 5K swim course begins at Patterson Lake on the beach of North Star Reach, keeping the buoys on the left to Halfmoon Lake Beach for the finish.

CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAP

.5 Mile through 2.4-mile swim courses start at Halfmoon Lake Beach and follow out-and-back courses.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO OF THE COURSE

This race is sanctioned by U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS). Therefore, all participants must have an annual membership or purchase a one-event membership.

Cutoff times

15K 1st cutoff point, Halfmoon Lake Beach: 2 hours from the start. 2nd cutoff point, North Star Reach: 4 hours from the start
10K 1st cutoff point, North Star Reach: 3 hours from start
5K: 3 hours from the start 
All swimmers in the water at noon will be picked up.

U.S. Masters Swimming competition rules

U.S. Masters Swimming approved skinsuits

Personal Swim Buoys are allowed, but they MUST be a color other than orange and no larger than 20L (25" x 12").  If you are at the start line with an orange personal swim buoy larger than 20L (25" x 12"), you will not be able to use it in the event.

Swimsuits and accessories:  All swimmers must wear one swimsuit in one or two pieces.  All swimsuits shall be made from textile material and not contain clasps or zippers.  For both men and women, the swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulder nor below the ankles.  Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use webbed gloves, fins, buoyant armbands, or snorkels.

Audio players/Swim Tempo Trainers: Not allowed.

Wetsuits: Only allowed if you are in the non-competitive wetsuit division.

5K Swimmers:  You will pass through a tunnel.  10Kers will swim through it 2 times, 15Kers 3 times, 5Kers 1 time. You will know when you are there. Expect oncoming swimmers.  There will be a lane line down the middle.  Always stay to the right, no passing!  A 5-minute penalty will be given to anybody who passes or attempts to pass in the tunnel or when entering or exiting.

Age Groups (Male/Female/Nonbinary Divisions):

12-13 (0.5-mile and 1.2-mile only), 14-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

15K SWIM
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
Top 5 in each age group Male/Female/Nonbinary

10K SWIM
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
Top 5 in each age group Male/Female/Nonbinary

5K SWIM
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
Top 5 in each age group Male/Female/Nonbinary

2.4 MILE SWIM
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
Top 5 in each age group Male/Female/Nonbinary

1.2 MILE & .5 MILE
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place in each age-group Male/Female/Nonbinary
 

Personal Swim Buoys

 

Time-Trial Swim Start
The race will be a time trial swim start.  What does that mean? This means that swimmers line up on the beach and, at the race starter’s signal, enter the water individually 3 seconds apart. See the race schedule to know when to line up for your race.

Epic Lifeguards
Members of the Epic Lifeguard Team have American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification in addition to basic American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. This means that they have all taken and passed an additional course in which they received training in the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas. Our superbly trained lifeguards are yet another reason our races are so Epic! 

There will be a minimum of 20 volunteer safety boats along the course. You are not required to bring your own, but if you have somebody who wants to paddle along with you, have them register as an official volunteer for the race. They need to bring their own boat and provide neutral support.

Aid Stations
There will be 2 aid stations spaced approximately one mile apart.  There will be aid station supplies on a boat. They will have water, Gu, and Gatorade. 5K will pass them once, 10K will pass them twice, 15K will pass them 3 times.

STAY AT CAMP! (North Star Reach)

$5,000+ Donation

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Sleep where you swim and experience the magic of camp with overnight lodging in a cabin at North Star Reach! Become a dedicated fundraiser, grab your teammates, and you can sleep where you swim on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Come to
camp to pick up your race packet before settling in to one of our climate-controlled cabins and exploring camp at
your leisure for the rest of the day/evening. Each cabin has 2 full bathrooms, 6 bunk beds, and 2 semi-private
bedrooms. Cabins can sleep up to 12 people.

Host Hotels

Book your group rate for the 2026 Swim to the Moon!

Holiday Inn Express - Ann Arbor for $185.00 USD per night

Book Online Here!

Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, parking & internet are included in room rate.

*Last Day to Book : July 15, 2026!

Hampton Inn & Suites - Ann Arbor for $159.00 USD per night

Book Online Here!

Complimentary hot breakfast offered daily, high-speed Wifi and parking are all included in the room rate.

*Last Day to Book : July 14, 2026!

Camping

Bruin Lake Campground in the Pinckney Recreation Area. Click here to reserve!

North Star Reach is a camp specially designed for children with life-threatening, serious, and chronic medical conditions. Because of their health issues, these children cannot attend a regular summer camp. As part of the SeriousFun Network of camps for children with serious health concerns, North Star Reach offers these kids the chance to enjoy one of childhood’s most valued traditions: a summer of swimming, climbing, canoeing, arts, and crafts, making new friends, and creating lifelong memories. North Star Reach’s facilities include all this and a state-of-the-art medical center staffed 24 hours to support and supervise its campers. Best of all, North Star Reach is free of cost for campers who qualify… and for their siblings.

We have been fundraising for North Star Reach, which serves as the starting location for the 5K and the turn-around point for the 10K, since the beginning of Swim to the Moon. North Star Reach would not be where it is today without the generous help of its fundraisers. This year, as part of the registration for the 10K and 5K swims, we ask each participant to become a fundraiser and raise a minimum of $10. Participants who raise $100 or more will receive special prizes!

• $5,000+: STAY AT CAMP!

  Sleep where you swim and experience the magic of camp with overnight lodging in a cabin at North Star Reach! As

  a dedicated fundraiser, you can sleep where you swim on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Come to

  camp to pick up your race packet before settling in to one of our climate-controlled cabins and exploring camp at

  your leisure for the rest of the day/evening. Each cabin has 2 full bathrooms, 6 bunk beds, and 2 semi-private

  bedrooms.

All participants may also consider making a donation during registration to help North Star Reach help these special children have the summer of their dreams!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE AND BECOME A FUNDRAISER FOR NORTH STAR REACH

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Click here to visit Happy Planet Running!