14th Annual Madison Open Water Swim (MOWS) 1.2 and 2.4 Mile Open Water Swim

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Registration Schedule

This competition is limited to the first 500 entrants.

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Madison Open Water Swim

Wave 1a - 2.4 mile Madison Open Water Swim (no wetsuits)
Wave 1b - 1.2 mile Madison Open Water Swim (no wetsuits)
Wave 1c - 1.2 mile Madison Open Water Swim (wetsuits allowed)
Wave 2 - 2.4 mile Madison Open Water Swim (wetsuits allowed)

All swimmers will start in the water and finish on the beach utilizing electronic timing chips. There will be two starting waves as described in the Swimmer Info web page.

This is a 1.2 mile rectangular course in the same location as Ironman Wisconsin which is scheduled for the following month. View the course and event layout in the Swimmer Info web page. The course is well marked with eighteen orange buoys, patrolled by lifeguards and volunteers in a variety of watercraft. The past water temperatures for this event have been 72 to 77 degrees F. For swimmer safety, wet suits are not allowed if the water temperature exceeds 78 degrees F. See the Past Events web page for previous year times and pictures.

When
Saturday, August 20, 2016. Event check-in begins at 7:00 am. The mandatory pre-swim briefing starts at 8:15 am. If warming up, you must exit the water and attend the pre-swim briefing. The swim events start at 8:30 am. Detailed safety instructions will be given at this time.

Where
Law Park on Lake Monona,100 E John Nolen Dr, Madison, Wisconsin. Parking and hotels are available in several nearby locations as listed on the Swimmer Info web page.

Eligibility
Open to all swimmers 18 years and over as of August 20, 2016. Please judge your own ability level prior to registering for this race. In order to complete the swim within the prescribed time limits, you should to be able to swim 500 yards in 13 minutes.

Because this is a USMS sanctioned event, 2016 USMS or FINA membership is required for insurance reasons. There are two membership options:
1. Annual USMS membership ($52.00 for WI good through 12/31/2016).
2. One Event membership ($21.00). Please note, this can only be used once in a year.

Foreign swimmers with FINA memberships are not eligible for USMS records or All-American status.

How to Enter/Register
Registration online is required. The entry fee is $37.00 if received before 5:00 pm CST on July 31 or $52.00 if received before registration closes at 5:00 pm CST on Friday, August 12. There will be no registration (including race day) after 5:00 pm CST on August 12. NO REFUNDS. Open Water registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Online event entries are paid by credit card to ClubAssistant.com Events. NO REFUNDS. Open Water registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Registration is limited to 500 swimmers. Once filled, there is no waiting list.  However, don't give up as we will re-open registration after July 31st if people notify us that they are dropping out. So please check back after July 31st.

A cotton blend MOWS t-shirt with the 2016 logo/artwork is available for purchase for an additional $14.00. New this year, we have both Men's and Women's sizes.  Shirts must be ordered during registration no later than July 31st and must be picked up during check-in.

Event Details

Schedule: The detailed schedule and event map can be found in the Swimmer Info web page.

Safety/Rules: The race course will be patrolled by a variety of water craft and certified lifeguards. Current U.S. Masters Swimming rules will govern this event and a race official with an air horn will serve as the starter. If the water temperature is above 78 degrees F, no wetsuits will be allowed. Detailed safety instructions and USMS rules are included in the Safety PDF file. Detailed safety instructions will be given at the pre-race briefing.

Timing: Electronic timing will be used. Each swimmer will wear an electronic timing chip on an ankle bracelet to automatically record their time. Timing chips must be returned after crossing the finish line or a $30 charge will be assessed to the swimmer.

Food: Bagels, fruit, water and other refreshments will be available after the swim.  Please bring anything you may want prior to the start.

Awards and Results: Awards will be given for each age group. Age groups will be 18-24, 25-29, 30-34 . . . (continuing in 5 year increments). Awards will also be separated into wetsuit and non-wetsuit categories for each age group. Race day results will be posted on-site and also on the Past Events web page. Must be present to receive your award. Awards will not be mailed.

For questions or more information on MOWS, please email swim.mows@gmail.com

Volunteers
If you or a friend would like to be a MOWS volunteer, please email volunteer.mows@gmail.com.

Note: If paying by credit card, your credit card statement will reflect a charge from "ClubAssistant.com Events."