Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim logo

Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim

Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim is a swimming and paddle race on September 13, 2026 in Knoxville, TN, with entry fees from $395 to $570.

Date
September 13, 2026 (52 days to go)
Price
$395–$570
Sports
SwimmingPaddle
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From the Organizer

How many people can say they’ve jumped off the Star of Knoxville Riverboat INTO the Tennessee River? Who can say they’ve gotten to swim under five historic bridges, past Neyland Stadium, and the Knoxville skyline, finishing through beautiful river bluffs lined with historic homes, in gorgeous Sequoyah Hills?

Now’s your chance!

Bridges to Bluffs is a premier 10K downstream open water swim and a proud leg of the Tennessee Triple Crown Open Water Series (alongside Chattanooga’s Swim the Suck and Huntsville’s Swim Hobbs Island).

Why This is Your Perfect 10k

  • Tailwinds for Swimmers: Don't let 6 miles intimidate you! The Tennessee River's favorable downriver current provides a natural assist, making this the friendliest course in America to tackle your first marathon swim.
  • Built-In Safety & Support: With a generous 4-hour cutoff time, a heavy water safety presence, and two free preview swims in July - August to get you acclimated, we ensure you feel confident from your starting leap to your finishing stroke.

Whether you are taking on the 10K solo or splitting the distance with a partner as a 2-person relay team, we've designed this to be a plug-and-play weekend getaway:

  • No Pilot? No Problem: With our Pilot Matching Program, we can pair you with a dedicated local pilot, and source their kayak for a flat fee. You’ll meet prior to the race, and then you can just show up and swim.
  • An All-Inclusive Weekend: Your registration isn't just a race ticket. It covers full race safety and timing, premium SWAG, professional photos, a Saturday night sunset dinner cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville for race briefing, and a catered post-race lunch on Sunday.

Only 100 swimmers get to leap off the Star of Knoxville each year. Will you be on the deck on for B2B’s ninth year, or watching the recap from your phone…? Sign up today!

Important Registration Reminders:

  • All swimmers over 18 must be current USMS members or purchase a one day event membership (OEVT).
  • Swimmers ages 13-18 may register in the solo 10k swim and must be current USA Swimming members (your registration will be discounted $20 to VOID the USMS OEVT fee - it is automatically applied).
  • All solo swimmers MUST be accompanied by a PILOT on a kayak (or similar). Swimmers are encouraged to find their own pilot for the event. There is an option to pay the race team to recruit a pilot for you. All PILOTS must also register. There is no fee; swimmer's fees cover pilot costs.
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All race information, including FAQs, schedules, rules & past results can be found at: https://knoxvilleopen-waterswimmers.squarespace.com/bridgestobluffs

Included in every registration:

  • One race entry (for a solo swimmer OR a relay team of two swimmers)
  • Two high quality logo'd t-shirts (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)
  • Two seats for the Saturday dinner cruise (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)
  • Two lunches post-race on Sunday (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)
  • Finisher award for all participants
  • Race morning bus transportation from the finish line to the starting areas for swimmers and pilots
  • Free downloads of professional photographs taken over the weekend

Events

PILOT for Solo Swimmer
Solo 10km Swim$395
2-Person Relay 10km Swim$570

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

84°

Typical Low

60°

Chance of Rain

26%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Knoxville Exp Stn, 2 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 7:17 AMSunset 7:45 PMDaylight 12h 29m

Host City

About Knoxville, TN

Population

193,721

as of 2023

City Elevation

1,007 ft

Nearest Airport

TYS

McGhee Tyson Airport · 11 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

52

Days to train

Race
Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim
Date
September 13, 2026

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From Endurance Grid

About These Sports

This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.

Open Water Swimming

Open water races take place in lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans. Distances can run anywhere from a short 500m swim to 10K marathon events. Just you and the water.

Paddle Sports

Kayak, canoe, SUP, and outrigger races on rivers, lakes, and ocean. Sprints to marathon distances, split by craft.

Plan your trip

Make it a Racecation

Coming from out of town? There's more to Knoxville than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.

Plan your trip to Knoxville
Lodging
Flights
Rental Car
Activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim?+
Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim is a swimming and paddle race held in Knoxville, Tennessee on September 13, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more swimming races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim?+
Sunday, September 13, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee at 2280 Cherokee Blvd. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim?+
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Bridges to Bluffs 10k Open Water Swim

Sep 13, 2026

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