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Sunday, May 31st
Amesbury, MA 01913 US Directions
Countdown to Race Day

Events

1/2 Mile Swim

Price: $55
Time: 9:05AM EDT 1:00PM EDT
Price increases after April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT

1.2 Mile Swim

Price: $55
Time: 9:15AM EDT 1:00PM EDT
Price increases after April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT

2.4 Mile Swim

Price: $55
Time: 9:10AM EDT 1:00PM EDT
Price increases after April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
1/2 Mile Swim & 2 Mile Trail Run

Swim + Run

Price: $65
Time: 9:00AM EDT 1:00PM EDT
Price increases after April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT

Description

The 12th Annual LandShark Swim & Swim+Run is scheduled to take place at Lake Gardner on Sunday, May 31st. The event attracts around 200 participants and takes place in calm, protected waters just 45 min North of Boston in the charming City of Amesbury, MA.

Event Date

Sunday, May 31st 2026 (No Rain Date)

Place

80 High Street
Amesbury, MA US 01913

Racing Categories

Swim
1/2 Mile Swim, 1.2 Mile Swim, 2.4 Mile Swim

Swim+Run
1/2 Mile Swim + 2 mile trail run 

Race Start Times

*Subject to change/participation dependent

09:00AM  - Swim+Run
09:05AM  - 1/2 Mile Swimmers
09:10AM  - 2.4 Mile Swimmers
09:15AM  - 1.2 Mile Swimmers

Swim Fee's

$45 through 2/28
$55 through 4/30
$65 through 5/31
$75 on 6/01
*No shirt option - Save $5 on your entry fee

Swim + Run Fee's

$55 through 2/28
$65 through 4/30
$75 through 5/31
$80 on 6/01
*No shirt option - Save $5 on your entry fee

Race Day Registration/Packet Pickup

Opens at 7:45AM at race site.

*There is no pre-race packet pickup

Course Details

All swim distances will be setup as an out and back swim, which has been received well by athletes! The 1.2 mile swim distance will take you .6 miles out from Lake Gardner Beach to a turnaround buoy about 75 yards from Battis Farm. Endurance swimmers completing the 2.4 mile swim will complete this out and back course, twice. The cutoff time is 2 hours for the 2.4 mile swim. 

Swim + Run Details

Athletes will begin with a 1/2 mile swim, followed by a 2 mile trail run through the Lake Gardner Trail System. Shoes are required, as a portion of it is a rooty trail. Transition will be stationed at the Lake Gardner Beach. 

Event Swag

All swimmers will receive a custom swim cap.

All athletes registered by 5/15 will receive a cozy custom event t-shirt. 

**If you are allergic to latex please bring your own cap. 

Age Compliance

Participants must be at least 12 years old to participate. No youth under 15 is eligible to participate in the 2.4 mile swim. 

Age compliance questions please email info@high5em.com

Award Categories

Top 3 M/F Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1.2 and 2.4 mile
Top 3 M/F Non-Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1.2 and 2.4 mile
Top 3 M/F Swim+Run
*No Double Dipping

Timing

Bib chip timing provided by our race series partner Bay State Race Services. 

Questions about timing? Email timers@verizon.net 

Post Event

Packaged snacks, bananas, and more will be available for swimmers. For those of you who would like a cold beer after your swim, that will be available to you courtesy of our friends at Mill 77 Brewing out of Amesbury, MA.

There will coffee including cold brew, drip coffee and lattes that will be available for purchase.

After the event we encourage you to head downtown Amesbury where there are several restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes, and boutique shops that are worth checking out.

Water Temperature Guidelines

FINA’s Open Water Swim rules tell us that the lower limit for water temperature (measured 1 m below the surface) is 16 degrees C (60.8 F). If the water temperature is lower, the event may be shortened or canceled. This figure of 16 degrees C is based on the fact that both male and female swimmers will not experience dangerous declines in body temperature in water temperatures of 16 degrees C or higher when swimming at typical open water race speeds.

The minimum water temperature at which wetsuits are optional is 14 degrees C (57.2 degrees F)

At temperatures less than 12 degrees C (53.6 degrees F) the swim will be canceled.

Category Rules/Regulations

No snorkels, fins or hand paddles are allowed. We do allow swim buoys if you are anxious or just feel more comfortable.

Water Safety and Important Details

There will be an abundance of kayakers, paddle-boarders, and emergency boats in the water for athlete safety including an Amesbury Fire Rescue boat with three EMT's.

You are allowed to hang on to a vessel at anytime. All are equipped with fuel, water and a noodle if you just need a break to catch your breath. You will not be disqualified or subject to any penalties if you need to stop.

On land, there will be at least 2 EMT's staged at the finish line. 

Distance or Category Changes

If you do change your mind about the category or distance you pre-registered for please email info@high5em.com in advance or notify someone at race day registration. A change fee may apply. 

Weather Policy

Races are held rain or shine unless we determine that race conditions are dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend.  In the event of inclement weather, Acts of God, or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race. Each athlete must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid including other amenities paid for such as t-shirts, insurance, and online administrative fees. All fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, including all race supplies, staffing, and administration.

Management Company

Post Race Sponsor

Valued Sponsors

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at

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