Endurance Grid lists 5 swimming races in North Carolina, from September to October 2026 across 5 cities.
The lay of the land
The swimming race calendar in North Carolina is busiest in September and October, with races most often in Statesville, Wilmington, and Wrightsville Beach.
Open water swim races take place in lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans. The course is marked by big buoys, with kayaks and lifeguards shadowing it the whole way. The water is the variable: currents, chop, temperature, and the need to sight and navigate for yourself.
There’s a distance for every level. A 500 to 750m swim is a good starting point to learn the sport, and most events stack several distances — a mile, 5K, 10K — on the same day, so you can start on the same course as the veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Enter your email and we'll send more your way.