RACE FOR THE CONCH
RULES/MAP
AND INSTRUCTIONS
REGISTRATION AND PRE-RACE BRIEFING
Mandatory registration check-in is located on the beach in front of Rickie's Flamingo Cafe by the starting line. All racers MUST check-in at least ONE hour before race time for their event. At check-in, all swimmers will receive their race number and a Race for the Conch swim cap. Wearing the swim cap is optional for all races.
Mandatory pre-race briefing 15 minutes before race time to include race rules, safety, course, and etiquette.
Swimmers can only choose one race distance.
2.4 MILE RACE
6:45 AM Check-in
7:45 AM Mandatory Briefing
8:00 AM Race Start
Cost: $90
1 MILE RACE
8:45 AM Check-in
9:45 AM Mandatory Briefing
10:00 AM Race Start
Cost: $90
1/2 MILE RACE
9:45 AM Check-in
10:45 AM Mandatory Briefing
11:15 AM Race Start
Cost: $70
100 METER CHILDREN’S RACE
A separate 100 meter swim event will be held for children 10 and under at 11:00 AM. Registration on the beach at 9:00 am. $10 registration fee.
START/FINISH LOCATION
The race starts and finishes on the beach in front of Rickie's Flamingo Cafe. A conch shell will be blown signalling the start of each race.
NOT PERMITTED
Swimmer will not be allowed to use fins, paddles, snorkel, or wetsuit. Tech-suits banned by FINA (the International Swimming Federation) are also not allowed in this race.
PERMITTED
You may use any swim stroke. You may draft off another swimmer as long as you do not interfere with that swimmer or anyone else. Goggles strongly encouraged. When possible, you may stand up on the bottom if you need a rest, but you are not permitted any forward walking motion except coming out of water at finish. Swimmers with special physical challenges can request to use special devices to aid in swimming.
RACE COURSE
1/2 Mile course: Head east along beach 1/4 mile and then turn around buoys heading west back to Start. 1 loop. 1 Mile course: Same as 1/2 mile course, except 2 loops. 2.4 mile course: Follows 1/2 mile course, but extends along Club Med Beach for 2 loops. Please see course map here.
SAFETY
Boats and paddlers will be posted along the race course to look for swimmers who need aid and to guide swimmers back on course if necessary. Swimmers who are too tired or hurt to continue and in need of assistance should signal for help by waving arms and hands. Note: Anyone posing a danger to other swimmers through rough behavior or other actions will be pulled from the race and disqualified. A race official’s decision is final.
EXITING EARLY
If you must exit the race early for any reason before finishing, you MUST check in with race officials right away at the finish line so that everyone can be accounted for.
CUT OFF TIMES
Maximum time for 2.4 mile race is 1 hour 45 minutes. Maximum time for 1 mile swim is 60 minutes. Maximum time for 1/2 mile swim is 30 minutes.
FINISH
The finish line is the same location as the start line. Finish on the beach. Swimmers MUST cross through the arch so that your time can be recorded.
