Registration deadline for Long Bridge Swim nears

SANDPOINT — More than 350 swimmers from the western U.S. and Canada have already signed up to “take the challenge and take the plunge,” as the 18th annual Long Bridge Swim is fast approaching.

The deadline for regular registration at the rate of just $20 is Saturday, July 14, so act quickly. More and more people are beginning to swim in Lake Pend Oreille as the temperatures rise, many of whom are getting ready for the popular 1.76 mile open water swim in Sandpoint on Saturday, Aug. 4.

This year there will be no event day registration, with the final opportunity to register on Friday, Aug. 3, from 2-5 p.m. at Sandpoint High School. Event organizers encourage participants to sign up as early as possible.

For the first time ever, the Long Bridge Swim will feature chip timing, as part of the first ever Sandpoint Triathlon, which includes the already-finished CHaFE 150 and the Scenic Half Marathon on Sept. 16.

Registration for the Long Bridge Swim can be done online at “www.longbridgeswim.org,” or registration forms can be picked up at Sandpoint West Athletic Club, Sandpoint City Rec, Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Safeway and Super 1 Foods.

Race organizer Eric Ridgway wished to give Kudos to Rudolf and Janice Kreps, who continue to allow swimmers to enter the water at the south end of the Long Bridge from their private property, spending money and energy to beautify the landscape.

“This event is only possible with the massive generosity of hundreds of community volunteers, and numerous generous local businesses,” said Ridgway of the event which has featured more than 700 swimmers in the past.

For more information on the event, or to sign up, visit “www.longbridgeswim.org.”