Swim The Loop

Directions Website

Swim The Loop is a 3.5 mile open water swim race that takes place around an interior island, called off the marsh/docks and you won’t hit bottom. Salisbury St.

Swim The Loop starts and finishes at the Dockside Restaurant, which is located on Airlie Road (Wilmington side of the Intercoastal Waterway). The race will start at a high tide to ensure an even tide pattern throughout the 3.5 mile swim. Don’t be fooled though; there will be times of slight incoming tide, slight falling tide and a mostly slack tide. Swimmers will paddle their way around the island clockwise going under the drawbridge and turning right into Lee’s Cut. There are some shallower waters through this cut, so keep about 10-15 ft. Lee’s Cut can be a tougher section to complete, so be conservative and confident through the first mile of the swim. Once through Lee’s Cut the swimmer will turn right into Banks Channel and go under the W. Bridge completing about 1.5 miles of the course. Once you reach the second bridge you’ve completed 2 miles and will soon turn right into Motts Channel. Make sure you site through Mott’s Channel and stay about 10-15 ft. off the marsh because as the tide begins to change and fall this part could be a challenging portion of the swim depending on the time you begin this portion of the swim. Mile 3 is just past the Seapath Towers/Marina and will leave you with half a mile from the finish.

10/09/2026

🚨 One rule for tomorrow morning: BUOYS ON YOUR LEFT.

With Swim the Loop running as an out-and-back this year, you’ll have swimmers coming at you in Motts Channel. Treat the buoy line like the lane rope at your pool: circle swim, stay on your side, buoys always on your left shoulder. Heading out to Trailborn? Buoys on the left. Coming home to Dockside? Buoys on the left. Motts Channel Sprint swimmers, same rule.

Do not cross the midline. Sight often, swim your side, and we’ll all get back to Dockside in one piece.

The SWIM THE LOOPERS (2.6) will have a cone at Trailborn to turn around at. You will literally get out of the water to turn around.

See you at 8:00 AM. Swim fast, swim smart. 🏊

10/08/2026

Check out our interactive course guide, featuring tidal flow and location-based planning, to prepare for Saturday.

Please refer to your email for important updates regarding the weather and the rescheduling of the event from Sunday to Saturday.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 10th, at the newly scheduled date and time.

https://iamwithoutlimits.com/swim-the-loop-course-guide/

10/06/2026

The 2026 Pre-Race Podcast Athlete Video is out! Listen in for all the details including our new interactive Swim the Loop Tide Guide: https://youtu.be/QhQHL693ptk

09/14/2026

🛶 WE NEED YOU ON THE WATER! 🏄

Swim the Loop (10/11) is looking for kayakers and SUP paddlers to help keep our swimmers safe — we still need 20+ volunteers!

Why it matters: our water support team positions around Harbor Island to watch over swimmers, offering a place to rest (or pull out safely) if someone needs it. With open-water conditions and tidal currents, this crew is what makes the race safe for everyone in it.

Bring your own kayak or SUP. Snacks, drinks, and lunch provided — stay the whole time and earn an event shirt!

👉 Sign up: https://www.swimtheloop.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/Wilmington/SwimtheLoop

09/07/2026

🏊 4 weeks to race day! Quick training tips for Swim the Loop & Motts Channel Sprint:

Week 4: Build your longest swim (near full race distance)
Week 3: Add open-water sessions — practice sighting & drafting Week 2: Race-pace intervals, dial in your nutrition
Week 1: Taper down, rest up, trust your training

See you at the start line 10/11! 💙

08/31/2026

🏊 REMINDER: Practice Swim — Friday, September 11 @ 7:30 AM

Join us at Dockside Restaurant, 1308 Airlie Rd, Wilmington for our second practice swim of the year! Swim part of the course or the whole thing — great prep for Swim the Loop on 10/11.

Self-supported: bring your gear, buddy up, stay visible.

See you in the water! 💙

08/24/2026

🏊 SWIM THE LOOP — Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Dockside Restaurant, Wilmington

Choose your distance: the 3.5-mile Loop or the 1.3-mile Motts Channel Sprint.

⏰ Register by SEPTEMBER 8 to guarantee your race shirt! ⏰

👉 Sign up:

The Swim the Loop is on Sunday October 11, 2026. It includes the following events: Swim the Loop and Motts Channel Sprint.

07/16/2026

Water safety is at the heart of Swim The Loop

For 14 years, our swimmers have trusted the incredible people who watch over them in the water — volunteers who show up with skill, calm, and genuine care. We are deeply grateful for every one of you who has helped keep this event safe.

As we prepare for the 2026 race, we’re looking for dedicated water support volunteers to join this essential team. Your presence truly makes a difference.

Sign up here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/Wilmington/SwimtheLoop

07/09/2026

Mott’s Channel Sprint is designed for swimmers of all levels — from beginner to advanced.

At 1.3 miles, most athletes finish between 25 and 60 minutes, and with minimal tide impact, it’s a more approachable option than Swim The Loop.

The photo shown here captures swimmers passing the mile‑3 boat during the longer Loop event — a reminder of the excitement that defines race day, no matter the distance.

If you’re looking for a welcoming, confidence‑building open‑water challenge, Mott’s Channel Sprint is the perfect place to start.

07/02/2026

Price increases after July 4th!

If you’ve been looking for a good time with friends, now’s the moment to commit. Register before the holiday to secure the lower rate and lock in your spot for this year’s Swim The Loop.

Address

1308 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC
28403

Website

http://www.swimtheloop.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Swim The Loop posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your business to be the top-listed event/venue in Wilmington?