Long Bridge Swim could eclipse 900 participants
Scores of kayaks gather before the start of a past Long Bridge Swim. They are part of a cadre of volunteers that make the event so successful.
(Courtesy photo)
SANDPOINT — It started nearly two decades years ago with a few swimmers.
It didn’t take long before that number jumped to a few hundred.
On Saturday, when the 18th Annual Long Bridge Swim starting horn sounds, race organizers are expecting more than 900 participants, which would once again break the record.
The unique 1.76 mile open water swim across Lake Pend Oreille draws swimmers of all skill levels from all over the world. The pristine water, unique bridge viewing vantage and homespun feel make it one of the most popular open water swims in the U.S.
As of Thursday night, more than 800 people had registered, led by 153 from Spokane, 129 from Sandpoint, 79 from the Coeur d’Alene area, 37 from California and 30 from Montana. There are even swimmers from places as far away as France and Bangkok.
There will also be a new winner this year, as two-time defending champion Bryce Kananowicz, a swimming prodigy from Coeur d’Alene who destroyed the field last year, is currently competing at the National Championships.
“The top slot is available,” said race director Eric Ridgway, who suspects one of Kananowicz’s teenage teammates may well win the race.
Per usual, there will be elite swimmers intermixed with leisurely floaters, part of the event’s charm. Sandpoint 9 year-olds Kate Bokowy and Chandler Sanborn are the youngest swimmers, while 82 year-old Sister Madonna Buder, of Spokane, is the oldest.
Ridgway wished to thank Starla Staglund, who was receiving cancer treatments just a few weeks ago, for keeping tabs on all of the results, and for Karen McClelland and Courtney Sandborn, who are helping with the registration.
It’s the community support that that stands out most when Ridgway reflects on how far the race has come since he started it 18 years ago.
“My biggest joy is how much I love this community. It’s (the race) only made possible by hundreds of volunteers contributing thousands of hours,” said Ridgway, also lauding the relaxed atmosphere. “It continues to be welcoming to the beginner, the person not confident they’ll make it; that thrills me.”
For more information, visit “www.longbridgeswim.org.”