
From the Organizer
The YMCA’s Pier-2 Pier Race, in memory of Ryan Young, is an open water ocean swimming event held at beautiful Wrightsville Beach, NC. The swim is approximately 2 miles point-to-point between Johnnie Mercers and Crystal Piers with prevailing current.
This unique event creates a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in the swimming community and highlights the Y’s commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. All proceeds from the Pier-2-Pier race benefit the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program, a free water safety and swim course available to the community each spring, summer and fall.
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
83°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Wilmington Intl Ap, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
0 ft
Nearest Airport
ILM
Wilmington International Airport · 7 mi
Major Hub
MYR
Myrtle Beach International Airport · 75 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
103
Days to train
Coming Up
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225 miles away
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225 miles away
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160 miles away
VBLA 2026 Swim Series Race 1: Mile Swim
204 miles away
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)
YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim
Sep 19, 2026