LandShark Swim & Swim+Run

The 12th Annual LandShark Swim & Swim+Run is scheduled to take place at Lake Gardner on Sunday, May 31st. The event attracts around 200 participants and takes place in calm, protected waters just 45 min North of Boston in the charming City of Amesbury, MA.

Sunday, May 31st 2026 (No Rain Date)

Swim
1/2 Mile Swim, 1.2 Mile Swim, 2.4 Mile Swim

Swim+Run
1/2 Mile Swim + 2 mile trail run 

*Subject to change/participation dependent

09:00AM  - Swim+Run
09:05AM  - 1/2 Mile Swimmers
09:10AM  - 2.4 Mile Swimmers
09:15AM  - 1.2 Mile Swimmers

$45 through 2/28
$55 through 4/30
$65 through 5/31
$75 on 6/01
*No shirt option - Save $5 on your entry fee

$55 through 2/28
$65 through 4/30
$75 through 5/31
$80 on 6/01
*No shirt option - Save $5 on your entry fee

Opens at 7:45AM at race site.

*There is no pre-race packet pickup

All swim distances will be setup as an out and back swim, which has been received well by athletes! The 1.2 mile swim distance will take you .6 miles out from Lake Gardner Beach to a turnaround buoy about 75 yards from Battis Farm. Endurance swimmers completing the 2.4 mile swim will complete this out and back course, twice. The cutoff time is 2 hours for the 2.4 mile swim. 

Athletes will begin with a 1/2 mile swim, followed by a 2 mile trail run through the Lake Gardner Trail System. Shoes are required, as a portion of it is a rooty trail. Transition will be stationed at the Lake Gardner Beach. 

All swimmers will receive a custom swim cap.

All athletes registered by 5/15 will receive a cozy custom event t-shirt. 

**If you are allergic to latex please bring your own cap. 

Participants must be at least 12 years old to participate. No youth under 15 is eligible to participate in the 2.4 mile swim. 

Age compliance questions please email info@high5em.com

Top 3 M/F Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1.2 and 2.4 mile
Top 3 M/F Non-Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1.2 and 2.4 mile
Top 3 M/F Swim+Run
*No Double Dipping

Bib chip timing provided by our race series partner Bay State Race Services. 

Questions about timing? Email timers@verizon.net 

Packaged snacks, bananas, and more will be available for swimmers. For those of you who would like a cold beer after your swim, that will be available to you courtesy of our friends at Mill 77 Brewing out of Amesbury, MA.

There will coffee including cold brew, drip coffee and lattes that will be available for purchase.

After the event we encourage you to head downtown Amesbury where there are several restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes, and boutique shops that are worth checking out.

FINA’s Open Water Swim rules tell us that the lower limit for water temperature (measured 1 m below the surface) is 16 degrees C (60.8 F). If the water temperature is lower, the event may be shortened or canceled. This figure of 16 degrees C is based on the fact that both male and female swimmers will not experience dangerous declines in body temperature in water temperatures of 16 degrees C or higher when swimming at typical open water race speeds.

The minimum water temperature at which wetsuits are optional is 14 degrees C (57.2 degrees F)

At temperatures less than 12 degrees C (53.6 degrees F) the swim will be canceled.

No snorkels, fins or hand paddles are allowed. We do allow swim buoys if you are anxious or just feel more comfortable.

There will be an abundance of kayakers, paddle-boarders, and emergency boats in the water for athlete safety including an Amesbury Fire Rescue boat with three EMT's.

You are allowed to hang on to a vessel at anytime. All are equipped with fuel, water and a noodle if you just need a break to catch your breath. You will not be disqualified or subject to any penalties if you need to stop.

On land, there will be at least 2 EMT's staged at the finish line. 

If you do change your mind about the category or distance you pre-registered for please email info@high5em.com in advance or notify someone at race day registration. A change fee may apply. 

Races are held rain or shine unless we determine that race conditions are dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend.  In the event of inclement weather, Acts of God, or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race. Each athlete must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid including other amenities paid for such as t-shirts, insurance, and online administrative fees. All fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, including all race supplies, staffing, and administration.