The Best Endurance Swimming Events in the U.S.!

Diving in and hitting the open water is a very popular pastime with American swimmers of all skill levels, but endurance swimming requires a whole new level of dedication and athleticism from participants. These events are psychologically and physically demanding, but for these natatory notables, the risks and rewards are part of the appeal.

Locations all across the United States present a range of challenges for endurance swimmers. From coast to coast, you can find an opportunity to do a lot more than get your feet wet. We've collected eight of the most challenging and rewarding, in no particular order.

1. Manhattan Island Marathon Swim

First held in 1927, the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim is one of the most challenging and exclusive swimming events held in American waters. With a limit of only 25 participants, strict entry requirements, and a hefty entry fee, this one's for seriously salty dogs ready to take on nearly 30 miles of adventure as they circle Manhattan Island.

Distance: 28.5 miles
How to Hit the Water: Qualifying swim, $2,000 entry fee for first-timers (reduced rates for returning swimmers)
Mark Your Calendars: July
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: Potentially chilly and choppy waters, as well as flotsam, jetsam, and the occasional tidal pull make this swim a challenge. Did we mention you have to swim AROUND THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN? Oh, and don't get sucked into the sewage disposal plant just past the George Washington Bridge. No, really.
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2. Waikiki Roughwater Swim

You might equate a visit to Hawai'i with golden sand and lounging in a hammock while the sun slowly sinks into the sea. Endurance swimming fans, however, have been gathering at the foot of the Diamond Head volcano every Labor Day since 1970 to tackle the Aloha State's "Swim of all Swims". Over 2.4 miles of gorgeous underwater scenery, swimmers face strong waves, cunning tides, and, of course, hundreds of other swimmers, vying for first place.

Distance: 2.4 miles
How to Hit the Water: Registration required. Entry fees vary.
Mark Your Calendars: Labor Day (September)
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: Sure, you're in Hawai'i, but you're also going fin-to-fin with a gaggle of other aquanauts, braving towering surf and strong currents. There's a reason this swim became the water portion of the original Ironman event.
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3. The Alcatraz Challenge

The place? Notorious Alcatraz island. In the distance? San Francisco and the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. And between the two? One and a half miles of cold, lively, and deep ocean, full of all sorts of surprises for swimmers. There are certainly easier ways to escape "the Rock," but none of them are quite as alluring to endurance swimmers, who flock to the island for multiple events each year, jockeying for bragging rights.

Distance: 1.5 milesHow to Hit the Water: Registration required. Entry fees vary.
Mark Your Calendars: Multiple events are held yearly; they sell out fast, so plan ahead.
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: Even Burt Lancaster didn't try to take a dip in these deep, cold waters, which can be less than 60¬° F on the day of the event. BRR! Also, this is no swimming pool; you'll be sharing the ocean with marine life of all stripes, and maneuvering through strong currents.
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4. Farallon Islands Swimming Challenge

Are you the kind of swimmer who considers the Alcatraz challenge to be child's play? Is a grueling slog through 55° F water just another day's work for you? Then you might enjoy the Farallon Swim, a challenge designed and maintained by the Farallon Swimming Federation. This swim entails a journey between the northeast buoy of the Farallon Islands (off the coast of San Francisco) and the Golden Gate Bridge. The 26.4-mile swim is generally tackled by teams, but a few plucky soloists have defeated what some have called "The Toughest Swim of All."

Distance: 26.4 miles
How to Hit the Water: Possess super-human grit, the ability to defy insane odds
Mark Your Calendars: No set season.
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: Where do we start? Marine life (including great white sharks), frigid waters in the 50s, huge swells, tricky currents, a marathon length...oh, and did we forget to bring up the "no wetsuits" rule? Defeating this swim will put you in rare company indeed.
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5. Trans-Tahoe Relay

Billed as one of the most unique open-water swimming challenges in the world, the Trans-Tahoe Relay is held every July and offers teams a chance to cross frosty waters of Lake Tahoe from Nevada to California in a single, high-stakes swim. Held annually since 1976, this cold-water race crosses two state lines (the only one of its kind and class to do so)-and doesn't allow wetsuits.

Distance: 11.5 milesHow to Hit the Water: Registration and entry fees required. US Master Swimmer membership required; physical fitness certification recommended.
Mark Your Calendars:July
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: The Relay requires high levels of physical fitness for all its participants, as it's held more than 6,000 feet above sea level in circa 50° F waters and-let's reiterate an important fact-no wetsuits are allowed.
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6. Swim Around Key West

Both solo swimmers and relay teams will love the warm welcome provided by this annual event. With gorgeous Floridean sunshine, plenty of (friendly) aquatic life, and clear, warm waters, the biggest challenge in this endurance swim might be resisting the urge to float along and enjoy the view.

Distance: 12.5 miles
How to Hit the Water: Registration and entry fees required. Discount for US Master Swimmer members.
Mark Your Calendars:June
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: It might be warm and welcoming, but this swim still features a respectable distance of more than 12 miles, as well as a unique trait not found in more northern races: a lightning rule. When storms threaten, racers can choose to leave the water and wait out the pyrotechnics from above. Swimmers aren't penalized for leaving the water while lightning crashes, but time does continue to elapse, so strategy remains an important part of the race.
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7. Moloka'i/Kaiwi Channel Swim

The islands of Moloka'i and Oahu are bursting with fauna, flora, and natural wonders. Between them, however, lies a 26-mile stretch of water known worldwide for its epic surf, howling winds, and abundant wildlife, some of which may regard you as a mobile feast.

Distance: 26 miles
How to Hit the Water: Start and finish the swim, then fill out the form to get certified. Don't forget your boat pilot for safety (and a witness to your awesome swim). You can also get a free shark repellant device, if so inclined.
Mark Your Calendars:Year 'round, although March/April and September/October seem to be the most popular times for a successful swim.
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: This bad boy is 26 miles of huge swells, occasionally nasty currents, and plenty of ocean denizens sharing your space, including sharks.
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8. Great Chesapeake Bay Swim

The most popular swim on the east coast, the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim is held annually in June to support charity, but has earned its reputation as a genuine challenge for swimmers as well. The bay's near-legendary tides, and a pool of 600 swimmers, means the action is hot and heavy come race day.

Distance: 4.4 miles
How to Hit the Water: Registration and entry fees required. Documentation of open-water training required. You'll need to move quickly to register; the current online system allows available slots to be booked to capacity in 20 minutes or less.
Mark Your Calendars:June
Doggy Paddlers Need Not Apply: While not as physically demanding as some other races, the Chesapeake still offers serious tides and currents, potentially dangerous temperatures, and a variety of obstacles, both organic and man-made, to avoid.
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