Islamorada’s Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Returns Sept. 15

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Up to 400 solo and relay-team swimmers are expected to conquer the annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Saturday, Sept. 15. The open-ocean endurance swimming challenge takes place in Atlantic waters off Islamorada and is officially sanctioned by the World Open Water Swimming Association.

Individuals and two-, three- and four-person teams must complete the 8-mile roundtrip course in under eight hours. Entrants must show proof of completing a prior 1,650-meter or 1-mile swim in 35 minutes or less to compete as an individual.

The 2018 course features an in-water start and beach finish at the event’s host hotel, Amara Cay Resort, located at mile marker (MM) 80.5 oceanside in Islamorada.

First- through fifth-place solo and relay-team finishers are to win awards in male, female and mixed divisions. All successful participants are to receive a finisher medal and souvenir towel.

Award ceremonies are to begin at 6:30 p.m. at La Siesta Resort, MM 80.2 oceanside.

Early-bird check-in and packet pickup is set for 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at Amara Cay. A meet-up social is planned afterward at Florida Keys Brewing Co. at 200 Morada Way.

Participants also can check in 2-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at Amara Cay. Saturday start times for swimmers are to begin at 7:30 a.m. in waves. All swimmers must exit the water by 3:45 p.m.

The entry fee is $150 for solo swimmers, $110 per person for a two-person team, $100 per person for a three-person team and $90 per swimmer on four-person relay teams. The field is limited to 400 swimmers total. According to organizers, 250 swimmers have registered already. Admission for spectators is free.

Event information and registration: swimalligatorlight.com

Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamorada or 1-800-FAB-KEYS

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