Calling All Open-Water Swimmers: 'Golden Gate Sharkfest Swim' Is Sunday

BAY AREA, CA – Many of us have had the wonderful privilege of driving, biking or walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, but how about swimming the entire length of this majestic national landmark?

Here’s your chance to do so with Envirosports Sixth Annual Golden Gate Sharkfest Swim, the 1.6-mile open-water-swim will take place on Sunday, September 11.

Golden Gate Sharkfest participants will board a ferry in Sausalito, and then transport everyone to south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is here where everyone will swim back past the north tower to finish at East Fort Baker, at Horseshoe Cove in Sausalito.

Course map.

Participants will check-in on race day morning at Gabrielson Park (next to the Sausalito Yacht Club), between 6:45-7:45 a.m., with the ferry leaving at 8:30 a.m., and the starting horn blasting at 9:00 a.m. For all race-day details, check the event’s itinerary.

The best place for participants to park is Lot 4 ($5/all day) in Sausalito, located on Bay Street, just off Bridgeway in downtown Sausalito. There will be a shuttle bus from the swim finish back to the Sausalito parking lot after the race.

Entrants will receive the famous Sharkfest T-Shirts, snacks, beverages, and awards ceremony. Sharkfest Swim Medals for top three finishers in each age group, in each division (wetsuit & non-wetsuit). Personalized award plaques will also be mailed to the first place finishers in each age group, in each division (wetsuit & non-wetsuit).

AGE GROUP BREAKDOWN: Male and Female: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-100.

Entry fee is now $200, and $220 on race day.

Please note: This swim is not for novices. This event is for experienced open-water swimmers only. Entrants should be able to swim one mile comfortably in a pool in under 40 minutes. There will be plenty of kayakers close by to lend a hand to those who cannot finish. This race is limited to 300 participants, and is sure to sell out.

For more race details, contact Envirosports at info@envirosports.com.

--Story submitted from Jonathan Lance/Image via Sharkfest Swim