Finger Lakes Open Water Swim Festival

Join an epic endurance event that will challenge your swimming prowess, all while supporting a noble cause! Dive into the 6 or 12 Mile Swim, hosted by Dogged Perseverance, Inc. at the scenic Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen, NY. This thrilling open water race invites athletes to test their limits while raising funds for local animal rescue and K9 groups.The event welcomes all open water swimmers. Choose your challenge—either the 6 or the 12 mile distance. Safety is paramount, and should conditions become unfavorable, a reserve weather date ensures the event goes on smoothly.

Start your journey at Clute Park, where participants, along with their kayak escorts, launch from the beach. The course navigates the picturesque shorelines and includes a thrilling lake crossing, guided by personal kayak escorts. Swimmers aiming for the 12-mile distance must reach the 6-mile dock by 11am to continue, ensuring a safe and coordinated experience for all.

Embrace the swim under the guidelines of the Marathon Swimmers Federation rules. While wetsuit-clad participants won't qualify for awards, the true reward is the satisfaction of endurance and achievement.

Remember, this unique event accommodates a maximum of 30 swimmers, each with a dedicated kayak escort for navigation. Engage your competitive spirit solo, or partner up in a 12-mile two-person relay, exchanging positions halfway.

Prepare to push beyond your own boundaries in this exhilarating open-water challenge while contributing to a worthy local cause. Train rigorously, understand your capabilities, and make the leap into this outstanding athletic adventure!