
From the Organizer
RACE FORMAT: 1.5 mile Open Water Swim
COURSE DESCRIPTION: 1.5 mile swim across the Columbia River, starting at Chiawana Park in Pasco, WA and finishing at the Edison Street boat ramp in Kennewick, WA. Swimmers enter the Columbia River at the boat dock at Chiawana Park and swim across the river, upstream of the island and channel marker, then slightly downstream to exit at Edison Street boat ramp. Swim will be a mass-start and water temperature is expected to be ~70F. Wetsuits and swim buoys (no pool toys, please) are permitted. Fins, paddles, etc. are not permitted. Water safety/traffic control will be provided by Columbia Basin Dive Rescue (CBDR), as well as volunteer paddlers (kayak and paddle board).
RACE FEE - $25 (All race proceeds will be donated to the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue (CBDR)
AWARDS: Top Overall men and women, along with top 3 in each 10-year age group.
ON-LINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: To be pre-registered for the Columbia Crossing, you must enter by August 19th, 2026. Registration will also be available on race day (Sept 5) until 8:25am.
ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS: We sympathize with life's uncertainties but there are no refunds. Entries are not transferrable to another race or to the team competition. Please, please, please plan accordingly.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE: On race day, arrive early and be prepared for the following:
• 7:00 am – Race Check-In starts
• 8:30 am – Mandatory pre-race meeting
• 9:00 am – Race start
• 10:30 pm – Course closes
SAFETY: For safety reasons, we will pull you from the swim if you have not passed the channel marker by 1 hour on the race clock, or at the discretion of Columbia Basin Dive Rescue (CBDR).
CLOTHING OPTION: A short-sleeve classic “SWIM” t-shirt is available for an additional $20 for pre-registered swimmers only. Shirts will not be available to purchase on day of the swim. All proceeds from sales of t-shirts will be donated to the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue (CBDR)
QUESTIONS: Please contact James Devere at jtdevere@gmail.com with any race questions.
VOLUNTEERS: We need lots of volunteers, including paddlers (kayak and paddle board). If you can help or know someone that can help at this event, please contact James Devere at jtdevere@gmail.com.
COLUMBIA BASIN DIVE RESCUE (CBDR) is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer agency that provides water rescue and recovery services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to law enforcement, fire, and other emergency service agencies throughout a five-county area. CBDR's service area encompasses more than 4,000 square miles of rivers, canals, ponds, reservoirs, and streams.
Events
Weather
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
85°
Typical Low
51°
Chance of Rain
9%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Pasco Tri Cities Ap, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
78,446
as of 2023
Elevation
389 ft
Nearest Airport
PSC
Tri Cities Airport · 2 mi
Major Hub
GEG
Spokane International Airport · 120 mi
Time Zone
Pacific 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Columbia Crossing Swim, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
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From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Swimming events drop you into something that demands navigation, feel, and focus all at once. It's a sport that rewards the quietly competitive — the ones who do the work in the water before anyone's watching.
Open water races from 1 mile to marathon distance. Just you, the water, and whatever you've got left.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Columbia Crossing Swim
Sep 5, 2026