Welcome to the 11th Annual River Day Races, presented by French Creek Racing!
Parking and directions: Use the GPS address - 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA 19403. There is plenty of space available in this parking lot! Absolutely no parking in front of the launch area. From the lot, walk south (away from the Schuylkill River Trail) down the asphalt path toward the river. After you cross the road, make a left and walk downstream (east) for about 200 yards until you'll see our launch area on your right.
This event features our 5K, 1 mile, and 800m swim races, in addition to a SwimRun - 800m swim, 5K run, 800m swim, & 5K Relay (3 x 1 mi)
River Day Schedule:
Thursday 8/6 at Midnight - Online registration closes.
Saturday 8/8 -- 9AM - 5K Swim & Relay start
Saturday 8/8 -- 11AM - 1 Mile Swim start
Saturday 8/8 -- 11:40AM - SwimRunSwim start
Saturday 8/8 -- 11:45AM - 800m Swim start
Custom overall and age group awards will be given to the top 3 M/F in each classification - overall and 10 year age increments.
Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite. Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive. The nearest restroom facility is at the Betzwood trailhead parking lot, about 600 meters away from our launch site. No changing rooms on site.
Register today for 1, multiple, or all 4 races, and stick around to see all the fun that River Day offers!
The 5K race starts at 9:00am. The cutoff time for the 5K is 3 hours. The 5K course will be 3 loops. All other races will be 1 loop. There will no hydration stop provided by French Creek Racing. Any 5K swimmer who wishes to place their own nutrition near the start/finish area (and 1&2 mile marks) will be permitted and encouraged to do so. If you expect to complete the race in LONGER than two hours, it is strongly encouraged for you to bring an individual escort kayaker, and your own nutrition. Please do not place your nutrition on the floating dock as it's very likely to get knocked into the river.
The 1 mile race (1 loop) starts at 11:00am. The cutoff time for the 1 mile is 1 hour. If you wish to bring your own escort kayaker, you may do so! We will have a number of kayak and boat supports along the course. There will be no nutrition/hydration stops on the 1 mile course.
The 800 meter race (1 loop) starts at 11:45am. The cutoff time for the 800 meter race is 30 minutes. There will be no nutrition/hydration stops on the 800 meter course.
The SwimRun event begins at 11:40am. All racers must complete the course by 1:00pm.
Swim/Run Notes:
- Format is 800m swim (1 loop), 5K run (2 loops), and 800m swim (1 loop)
- There will be a small transition area (not fenced in) where you can change shoes, etc. No transition times will be kept. You'll simply get swim and run splits. Transition on either side of the line.
- We will set up an aid station near the swim exit which runners will pass at least 4 times during their 5K. Racers may also stash their own nutrition at this aid station.
We will need approximately 10-12 volunteers (kayakers, lifeguards, and other helpers). Register Here to Volunteer, or contact erin@frenchcreekracing.com if you have any questions.
We will follow the USAT Wetsuit rule of 78º temperature threshold. Should the water temperature exceed 78º, anyone wearing a wetsuit will not be counted in the official results. Should the water temperature exceed 84º F, no wetsuits may be worn. Water temperature is likely to be above 78º in early August.
If you wish to bring your own escort kayaker, you may do so! We will already have a number of kayak and boat supports along the course.
When you arrive, check in at our table, take a swim cap, and have your number marked. New Wave Swim Buoys may be worn by racers (your choice of color).
PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
THIS EVENT OCCURS IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS. All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Ultimately, we will make a call by 3 hours prior to the first heat, and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!
Live river condition updates can be found HERE.
Refund Policy: NO REFUNDS will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event. Deferrals will be offered in the event of race cancellation due to inclement weather.
