
Swim & Paddle the South River is a swimming race on October 4, 2026 in Riva, MD, with an entry fee of $99.
From the Organizer
This 5 Mile event celebrates the awesomeness of outdoor recreation on the South River and supports the efforts of Arundel Rivers Federation! We are a gathering of novice and experienced swimmers & paddlers celebrating the efforts of these organizations and the impact they have on inclusive water access and sustainable rivers. Each participant is required to fundraise at least $100 in addition to their registration fee. The tools to help you reach the fundraising goal will be provided. Fundraisers who exceed $500 will have their registration fee reimbursed. .
Swimmers participate as pods. A pod is 2-4 similarly speeded swimmers. Every pod has a support boat with them. The Solo Swim All 5 Miles option allows for the pod to swim the entire distance with a dedicated paddler. Solo Pods may bring their own paddler, or request that option at check out. The Take a Turn Swim/Paddle pod functions as a relay, taking turns paddling. Swimmers may register with friends as a fully formed pod, or may register individually into one of our paced pods.
No speed pressures or equipment restrictions. Simply invigorating open water adventure with the friends you’ve got or the ones you’ll make! October is a perfect time of year to enjoy swimming & paddling the South River! The cool water temps (Mid – High 60s) and picturesque scenic shorelines collaborate for unforgettable memories! Our untimed events are executed with participant safety and enjoyment as top priorities. We work with community partners to bring experiences that connect you to the sports we love and to outdoor recreation in meaningful ways.
Register today to help us support this amazing local foundation!
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
73°
Typical Low
57°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Annapolis Police Brks, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
City Elevation
51 ft
Nearest Airport
BWI
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport · 16 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
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Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Swim & Paddle the South River, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
73
Days to train
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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 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.
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Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Riva 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.
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Swim & Paddle the South River
Oct 4, 2026