The Delaware SwimFest starts at 6:00 PM, so plan your travel and pre-race routine accordingly if you're driving into Newark. Held at 240 Old Paper Mill Rd., the event offers three distance options: an 800-meter swim, a 1600-meter swim, and a 3.2-mile swimrun. Entry fees range from $40 to $85 depending on the event you select. This June race caters to swimmers and swimrun athletes looking for a structured evening competition. Book your hotel with the evening start time in mind, allowing flexibility for afternoon arrival and setup.
From the Race Organizer
Welcome to the Delaware SwimFest presented by French Creek Racing! Swimmers can choose an 800m race, 1600m race, or SwimRun. Try multiple races for the biggest challenge! Timeline: 6:00pm:1600m Swim & SwimRun 7:15pm: 800m Swim 8:00pm: Awards presentation Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800/1600 meters in open water before entering. We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78ºF will be wetsuit legal and above 78º will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78ºF will simply compete as an unofficial racer. Start/finish area is at the caged area near the top of the hill at the Newark Reservoir. GPS address to parking lot is 240 Old Paper Mill Rd., Newark, DE 19711. There are bathrooms at the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Please make sure to use facilities as needed before walking up the hill. Additional/overflow parking is located at Timothy's, 100 Creek View Rd., Newark, DE 19711. Register today for your choice of races! REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day. Registration is also available on site for an additional fee. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish area prior to your wave start time. When you arrive, check in at our table. You'll get body marked and you'll receive a swim cap. A bright colored cap and/or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers. Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB. REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event. The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course. SWIM FINISH: These races will be chip timed. Your swim time will stop when you touch the floating finish banner. For SwimRunners, you'll get a T1 split as well as a run split, and overall finish time. Prizes Custom awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/26) to claim their awards. Volunteers Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguaurds, kayakers, and much more. Please contact erin@frenchcreekracing.com to help out, or simply register as a volunteer ! There will be one nutrition/hydration table near the reservoir entrance (caged area at the top of the hill). We will have water and Gatorade at this table. Some light pre-packaged food and beverages will be available for post-race.
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 8.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Newark, DE.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Delaware SwimFest 2026 — Newark, DE takes place on June 8, 2026. The race is held in Newark, Delaware.
Where is Delaware SwimFest 2026 — Newark, DE held?
Delaware SwimFest 2026 — Newark, DE is held at 240 Old Paper Mill Rd. in Newark, Delaware.
Where can I find hotels near Delaware SwimFest 2026 — Newark, DE?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Newark. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
