The event is Saturday, September 10, 2011. Best to sign up early. A 2-week window is offered during which only USMS swimmers may register. The event reached maximum capacity in 2009 and 2010.The following was sent around by event organizers:
"Exciting News, Big Shoulders Participants – Registration for this year’s Big Shoulders Open Water Swim Classic will open on March 1, 2011 for all USMS Members (or those willing to purchase a USMS membership for $38), at www.clubassistant.com/bigshoulders. Also, for the first time in several years, beginning on March 15, 2011, Big Shoulders will offer USMS One Event Registration for those who are not able to take advantage of the many USMS benefits, but still wish to swim in Big Shoulders. One Event Registrations will be available at www.clubassistant.com/bigshoulders beginning on March 15, 2011 for $12 for swimmers 18-39 years of age, and $17 for swimmers 40 & over.
Don’t delay your registration. Big Shoulders has sold out the past 2 years, and will not offer any waitlists, transfers, deferrals, or general whining about the registration process."
Thanks for the replies. Big Shoulders was my initiation to open water swimming. I had done a very small, local 1K swim here in Georgia prior to the event. My brother lives in Chicago and I thought it would be "fun" for us to do together. I had no idea what I was in for. Since I live in Georgia, I doubt that I have even been in water that was under 80 degrees. Wow, what a shock 63 was!! But I finished (2.5k), and although it was challenging, I had FUN. We hope to keep this event on our calender for years to come. I may even try the 5k this year but making the elite wave would have to be a long term goal!
Thanks for the replies. Big Shoulders was my initiation to open water swimming. I had done a very small, local 1K swim here in Georgia prior to the event. My brother lives in Chicago and I thought it would be "fun" for us to do together. I had no idea what I was in for. Since I live in Georgia, I doubt that I have even been in water that was under 80 degrees. Wow, what a shock 63 was!! But I finished (2.5k), and although it was challenging, I had FUN. We hope to keep this event on our calender for years to come. I may even try the 5k this year but making the elite wave would have to be a long term goal!
