25K Relay National Championship - Update

We are the race directors for the Inaugural 2008 USMS 25K National Championship and here we are announcing a format change for the 25K (5x5K) Relay. Due to the overwhelming interest in the solo event, the logistics of the relay have changed. We are converting it to a simultaneous start for all relay team members (we may have waves a few minutes apart), but all relay swimmers will be in the water at the same time... no 'hand-offs,' no waiting around all day for your swimmer to come in so you can begin. You will all be finished by 10AM or so. The new plan, which may be modified slightly, will be for solo swimmers to depart at 7AM. All relay swimmers will depart during the next half hour or so. This will permit solo swimmers and their kayaks to get out of your way so you won't be dodging them all day long. Further, solo swimmers won't have relay swimmers in their way and our officials and volunteers can focus on the needs of the solo swimmers for the rest of the day. When finished, relay swimmers can head for home, or hang out to assist with paddling or other volunteer duties, or just hang out on the lake or 'beach' all day. Sound easier? That's what we thought! Any suggestions let me know. Since this is the inaugural event, it is a bit experimental... we are open to suggestions. Finally, if anyone wants to swim a 5K, but can’t put together an entire relay, send in your entry, write on the envelope “Need Team Mates” and we will hook you up with others in the same situation. Full refunds provided if we can’t get you on a relay. We will also extend the early bird deadline for the Relay Only, one week, to May 31 postmark. For more information go to our website www.forestparkpool.org/USMS25K/ Thanks for your support. Spread the word. *** Sidner and Marcia Cleveland