The 8th Annual Pier-2-Pier swim race is set for this upcoming weekend September 15th at Wrightsville Beach. The full race course is approximately 2 miles (1.71 miles between Johnny Mercer’s Pier and Crystal Pier in addition to the length of the swim from the beach to around the marker buoys ending with the swim to the beach finish.) The competition is open to anyone 11yrs old and up.
A few years ago, the event was dedicated to the memory of Ryan Alea Young, the UNCW swimmer who passed away in February 2009 from injuries sustained in a tragic morning car accident. Young was due to graduate in a few weeks as a communications and creative writing major. She coached for a Wilmington Swim League team and worked part time at Starbucks. “She loved her school, her job, swimming, and her family. Her too early departure left a hole in the Wilmington swimming community.” said Machelle Young; Ryan’s sister. Proceeds from the race benefit the Cape Fear Aquatic Club’s “Competition Fund”.
There will be male and female divisions for 11-12 yr olds, 13-14yr olds, 15-18yrs olds, plus a 19-24 age bracket, and for ages 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44 etc. (5 yr increments). Awards will be given out to the overall male and female swimmers, the overall 40+ male and female competitors and the top three in each of the age groups.
Check in time will be between 6:30 and 8:30am Saturday morning with the first wave of swimmers getting into the water by 9am (18 & under). The second wave (18 & up) will go off 10 minutes later. For more info on the event Saturday morning, log onto the web at www.pier-2-pier.com.
