Poseidon Swim Challenge
The race has been canceled for 2023 and all participants will receive a full refund. Crossroads Events was purchased and the new ownership has decided to forgo producing open water style swims.
The Poseidon Swim Challenge offers the coolest and most unique venue imaginable. Not only do you get to swim through Downtown Indianapolis but where else can spectators follow alongside their athletes and cheer them along in an open water classified race? The Poseidon Swim Challenge will be an athlete and spectator favorite!
Race Pricing
Date: 2k Open Water 800 Meter 13 & Under
Through April 7th $45 $25
Through May 7th $50 $30
Through June 7th $55 $35
Through July 7th $60 $40
Through Race Day $65 $45
Schedule of Events:
6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Packet Pick-up and Race Day Registration is open
8:30 a.m. - 2k Warm up open at the Start Line (Headwaters near W. 11th St.)
8:50 a.m. - Pre-race meeting with the Race Director at the Start Line
9:00 a.m. - 2k Race Start
10:15 a.m.- 800m Youth Warm up at 800 swim start. (near W. New York St.)
10:30 a.m. - 800m Start following a short pre-race meeting with Race Director
11:00 a.m. - 2k Awards Ceremony
11:15 a.m. - 800m Youth Awards Ceremony
Packet Pick-up, race day registration, body marking, and chip pick-up will be located at White River State Park from 6:30 - 9:30 a.m. near the finish line at the canal.
All participants will receive an awesome brag worthy Poseidon Swim Challenge T-shirt, Poseidon Swim Challenge swim cap, post race food and refreshments, and ultra cool age group awards! (If you sign up after July 4th you may not receive a t-shirt. T-shirts will be included until we run out.)
Awards will be given to the top 3 in each gender for the following categories:
2K Awards
Overall
19 & Under
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 - 69
70+
800 Meter Awards
Overall
Wave Starts
Swim cap color/wave assignments
Your start wave placement will be dictated by your reported estimated finish time. The swimmers who report a faster estimated finish time will be placed in the 1st start waves and the slower swimmers will be placed in later waves. There will be 50 swimmers in each swim wave. Wave starts will be 2 minutes apart. The following swim cap colors will indicate your swim wave.
Purple - 1st wave
Red - 2nd wave
Black - 3rd wave
Orange / Red - Kids wave
Course Map
Equipment: Wetsuits will not be allowed. The water temperature is expected to be approximately 80 degrees. All swimmers will be provided with a latex swim cap that must be worn and indicates your start wave. If you are allergic to latex we suggest that you wear a silicone cap underneath your race cap.
Course Description
Both the 2k and 800 meter youth swim are point to point races along the beautiful Indianapolis canal. The canal is approximately 3.5 feet deep and 40 feet wide throughout the majority of the course. Both races will end at White River State Park. Participants will exit the canal on a ramp at White River State Park and run a couple of meters to the finish line after exiting the swim. There is no noticeable water flow along the canal so expect an accurate swim time. Both the 2k and 800m course has several turns along the course as well as several very long straight away sections. The canal is clean and well maintained. The 800m youth swim will start near West New York Street. The 2k will start at the Headwaters near 11th street.
We will have port-o-potties located at the finish area and at 2k start line. 2k participants can also bring their gear, shoes, etc. to the start line we will have a trailer that we will store your gear in and take it back to the finish line for you. Please place all gear in your packet pick-up bag, which will contain your athlete number so that we can identify your bag when you pick it up at the finish line.
Safety: There will be lifeguards and medical personal spread out throughout the course. If you are in need of assistance please raise your arms in the air and call out for a lifeguard. Another great aspect of the Poseidon Swim Challenge is that is does take place in a canal. Taller competitors will be able to touch the bottom at most parts of the canal and a canal ledge will never be further than 30 feet from you if you must pull out of the race. If you are pulled from the water or remove yourself from the water you will not be allowed to finish the race. You can hold on to the ledge if you must catch your breath but if you leave the water you are finished with your race.
Parking: We suggest that you park in the White River State Park Garage located in White River State Park: 801 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204. Another close location you could take advantage of is the Central Park Garage which is located 2 blocks East of White River State Park: 301 North Illinois Street Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Registration is available race day!
2017 Photos Results
2020 Photos Results
2021 Photos Results
2022 Photos & Results
Transfer/Refund Policy: No refunds will be given unless the event must be canceled. In the case that the event is canceled you will receive back your participant fee. Transfers for extreme circumstances are not promised but will be considered at the sole discretion of the Race Director with written notice up until the final week before the race. Transfers will only be given for another 2023 event at equal or lesser value.