Revision of Extreme North Dakota Watersports Endurance Test (END-WET) from Thu, 05/19/2016 - 10:28

June 18 2016, Grand Forks, ND

Race Summary:

The Extreme North Dakota Watersports Endurance Test (END-WET) is a down-river swim ultra-marathon (27 miles in 2012-13, 36 miles starting in 2014) where solo or relay swimmers will travel from rural ND into East Grand Forks, MN, on the mighty Red River of the North.  The longest swim race in North America!

Pleased to welcome Jeff Utsch as our 2016 guest swimmer!

Details: 

Date:  June 18, 2016

Time: Race start time TBD based on current flow--expect between 6 am and 8 am.

Weekend schedule (updated 2016-04-27):

  • Friday morning: Media/warmup swim of the last two miles of the course
  • Friday evening: Check-in, prerace meeting, swimmer/paddler meet-n-greet
  • Saturday morning: Race!
  • Saturday evening: Shower and food at a local establishment (included)
  • Sunday morning: Awards ceremony

Cap:  Race limited to 40 solo swimmers and 10 teams.

Categories: 

  • Solo swim (traditional, OWS rules apply)
  • Solo swim (non-traditional - wetsuits are allowed)
  • Relay swim (doubles)
  • Relay swim (recreational, 3-5 team members)

Category must be declared when you check in before the race.

Registration

Dec 1-Feb 1 Feb 2-Jun 17
  Own Supprt ENDracing Support Own Support ENDracing Support
$200 $300 $250 $350
$150 NA $150 NA
$50 per person NA $50 per person NA

Online registration closes 23:59:59 Jun 16. No race-day registration.
Refund Policy

       

Location/Schedule:  Race start will be at Belmont Park, ND, near Climax (MN).  Support boaters will either need to drop their boats (a volunteer will be in the park overnight to keep the boats secure) and gear on Friday night or arrive Saturday morning at least 30 minutes prior to race start, but then make arrangements to get their vehicle back after the race.  All swimmers needing to take the shuttle will meet in Grand forks at the finish line (boat launch in East Grand Forks, MN just south of DeMers Avenue bridge) approximately 90 minutes prior to the start time (TBD based on flow rate, but it will be early!).  The 45 minute+ bus ride to the starting point which travels essentially in a straight line (as opposed to the river which meanders like crazy),  will give you ample time to reflect on what you are about attempt.  Try to stay positve, or better yet, sleep (good luck!).  You will finish near your vehicles. 

Entry includes:  A great race, ENDracing swag (latex caps for swimmers), post race meal, shuttle services from/to the finish line, finisher tags for all solo swimmers.  Prizes for top finishers.

Lodging: We have a hotel block at the Red Roof Inn Townhouse in downtown Grand Forks, a few blocks from the finish line.
To book: 701-746-5411 and use group name "END-WET racing"
Rates: Queen: $70, King: $80, 2 queen beds: $90. Any rooms not booked by May 16 will be released.

Other details: Teams will need to provide their own team boat (motorized OK).  Race organizers will provide a support boat/support person for each solo swimmer as part of the entry fee, although an optional lower fee is available for swimmers providing their own support.  There are a limited number of canoe rental possibilities in Grand Forks and nearby Crookston (30 minutes away).  Beyond Crookston, the nearest rental facilities that we know of are in Fargo, just over an hour to the south. ENDracing may be able to arrange a boat for solo swimmers bringing their own support person (but not boat) for a small fee.

Relay swimmers can swim in any order but new swimmers must enter the water up-river of the retiring swimmer and before the retiring swimmer makes contact with the support boat.  No physical contact between the active swimmer and the boat is allowed.  Swimmers are allowed to change out within 100 yards of any mile marker, so must swim, at minimum, one mile per rotation.  River miles will be clearly marked on river LEFT.

Wetsuits are allowed for swimmers in the wetsuit category.  Water temps in mid summer are expected to be between 70-75 degrees.  Current speed should be roughly 0.5-1 mile per hour, give or take.  Wind speed and direction will also play a significant role in how difficult the challenge ends up being on race day - so plan acordingly.

Solo swimmers/teams will have up to 16 hours to complete the swim, with actual cutoff times based on race day conditions.  Safety and a course sweep will be be provided by ENDracing staff.

It's an ENDracing event, so you should prepare for anything!

Past Races:

Year Racers Results Photos Videos Race Reports Press
2015

27 solo
3 relay teams

Results Wes KVRR   OWS Daily News, Grand Forks Herald
2014 23 solo
1 relay team
Results PhotosPhoto slideshow     Post and Courier
2013

25 solo
2 relay teams
8 solo paddlers
3 doubles paddlers

Results WesMolly Gr8 Outdoors pieceTara LisaJen  
2012 12 solo
3 teams
7 solo paddlers
4 doubles paddlers
Results Photos Studio One Racer Feedback