Swim for Grand Traverse Bay
Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is a swimming and paddle race on August 8, 2026 in Traverse City, MI, with entry fees from $25 to $55.
- Date
- August 8, 2026 (16 days to go)
- Price
- $25–$55
- Sports
- SwimmingPaddle
From the Organizer
Celebrate clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay with a unique open water swim event on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, a non-profit that works to protect the bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed.
Whether you’re a serious swimmer looking for a timed event, a triathlete wanting to practice in open water, a recreational swimmer setting a personal goal for your swimming, or someone passionate about water quality and making a difference locally, the Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is an exciting, challenging, and fun celebration of clean and healthy water in our region.
The Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is a fundraiser for The Watershed Center, a nonprofit that advocates for clean water in Grand Traverse Bay and acts to protect and preserve the bay's watershed. Each swimmer is responsible for raising at least $250, though no fundraising experience is required - we'll support you on your fundraising journey with tools, templates, and tips.
Events
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
79°
Typical Low
59°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Traverse City Munson, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Traverse City, MI
City Elevation
581 ft
Nearest Airport
TVC
Cherry Capital Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 131 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Swim for Grand Traverse Bay, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
16
Days to train
- Race
- Swim for Grand Traverse Bay
- Date
- August 8, 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.
Coming Up
More Swimming races near Traverse City, MI
99th Annual Goguac Lake Swim
500m · 1500m · From $25 · Capital Ave SW at George "B" Place Willard Beach
172 miles away
Mackinac Island Swim 2026
10K · From $89 · 1 Mack Island Lane
90 miles away
Michigan Titanium
Sprint · Olympic · 70.3 · Ironman · From $59.67 · 3650 Versluis Park NE
121 miles away
Cadillac YMCA Festival of Races
1 Mile · 5K · 10K · Half Marathon · Marathon · 500m · From $25 · 100 S Lake St
37 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Traverse City 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 Traverse CityFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Swim for Grand Traverse Bay
Aug 8, 2026