Hi,
I'm looking for a first 10K swim to enter. Completing the distance or dealing with waves don't worry me, but the cold does, since I am a skinny runner type and I sometimes turn into a popsicle. So I was considering either Miami or Pensacola. Pensacola is preferable because it's within driving distance, but the web site for the event is not really updated. Most of the links aren't working, and the contact email bounced back to me.
Has anyone out there done Pensacola who could describe it a little bit? The race is May 20 this year--not sure if that's when it's always been held. Is this a good "warm" first 10K to choose? What about sharks? Is there current? Is the course well marked? Is there a cutoff time?
thanks so much.
Parents
Former Member
I did this swim in 2010 and I believe the temperature was 77-78. It was not cold. There was a tide pushing you away from the bridge on the way back and very few stayed to the left of the bouys as the day went on. Overall it was an enjoyable, well run event. Really nice towels for awards (almost everyone got one) and a full lunch with beer. It is extremely convenient to stay right at hotel and walk down steps to beach for start of race. I thought the water was pretty clear and don't recall any marine life. I do remember seeing the dolphins the evening before the swim.
The cutoff was announced at 4 hours but we were told they would be reasonable with enforcement. Times were pretty slow from 2:25-4:58. Only 4 of 23 swimmers under 3 hours and one wore fins.
The only thing I would have hoped for was more support on the return. There were periods where no support was in sight and there was other boat traffic. I don't know if it is still the case, but in 2010 you could bring your own kayaker. I would recommend doing so if that is an option for you.
I would like to return some day to do this swim or the 25K. The water was beautiful and the swim is very reasonable but I would pay a lot more to have a kayaker.
Good luck.
I did this swim in 2010 and I believe the temperature was 77-78. It was not cold. There was a tide pushing you away from the bridge on the way back and very few stayed to the left of the bouys as the day went on. Overall it was an enjoyable, well run event. Really nice towels for awards (almost everyone got one) and a full lunch with beer. It is extremely convenient to stay right at hotel and walk down steps to beach for start of race. I thought the water was pretty clear and don't recall any marine life. I do remember seeing the dolphins the evening before the swim.
The cutoff was announced at 4 hours but we were told they would be reasonable with enforcement. Times were pretty slow from 2:25-4:58. Only 4 of 23 swimmers under 3 hours and one wore fins.
The only thing I would have hoped for was more support on the return. There were periods where no support was in sight and there was other boat traffic. I don't know if it is still the case, but in 2010 you could bring your own kayaker. I would recommend doing so if that is an option for you.
I would like to return some day to do this swim or the 25K. The water was beautiful and the swim is very reasonable but I would pay a lot more to have a kayaker.
Good luck.
