Submitted by Randall Gaylord.

The Orcas SwimRun event returns to Moran State Park on Sunday, Sept. 26. Athletes from Olga to Maine will be competing individually and in teams of two. The combination of swimming in the cold water of the Salish Sea and mountain climbing forest trails is unique among sporting events.

The start will take place at the Rosario Beach House. At 7:30 a.m. the long course competitors will dive into East Sound and then cover 21 miles and 6,100 vertical feet including the climb to the top of Mt. Constitution. Along the way, they will swim in Cascade Lake, Mountain Lake and Twin Lakes.

At 9 a.m. the short course and solo runners will begin their day from the Rosario Beach House.

“This is a great spectator sport,” said Randall Gaylord, who quickly added he will be volunteering, for this event and not competing. “Some teams are strong runners and other teams are strong swimmers. You are not sure which discipline is going to win out making it all that more interesting,” added Gaylord.

At the finish line, there will be wood-fired pizza from Pizza Rocks for all competitors and volunteers.

Volunteers are still needed to assist with packet pick up, safety escort kayak, refreshment stations, medical, course sweep, and finish line. Persons interested are asked to register as a volunteer at https://runsignup.com/orcas/volunteer. Groups of volunteers are asked to contact the race organizers.

The race is sponsored by ODYSSEY SwimRun USA which has other events in Maine, Michigan, and Texas. The sport of SwimRun is growing fast, and over 200 teams from around the country are expected to compete.

The athletes do not change clothing as they transition, and swim with their shoes on and in specially designed wetsuits.