Swim Hobbs Island is an open-water swimming event held in Huntsville, Alabama, offering distances of 1 mile, 2 miles, and 5 miles. The race takes place on September 20, 2026, at Hobbs Island located at 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE. With a typical start time of 7:00 AM, participants will begin their swims early in the day. Entry fees range from free to $85, depending on the distance selected. This venue provides swimmers of varying abilities the opportunity to compete in open water, with options ranging from a shorter 1-mile swim to a challenging 5-mile course. Whether you're training for triathlon season or seeking a dedicated swimming event, Swim Hobbs Island accommodates multiple skill levels and distances.
From the Race Organizer
The 11th Annual Swim Hobbs Island open water swim through the Tennessee River hosted by the Team Rocket Triathlon Club (TRTC) will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The 5-mile swim will begin at 7:30 AM and the 1- and 2-mile swim will begin at 7:45 AM and 8:00 AM respectively. Swim Hobbs Island is entirely a fundraiser for The American Cancer Society. Thanks for supporting! Packet Pick Up: Saturday, September 19, 2026 12:00-5:00 PM Fleet Feet Huntsville Race day packet pick-up is available at the public boat dock from 6:00-7:00 AM Race Day: Sunday, September 20, 2026 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Cap pickup and check-in at the public boat dock, 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE, between Forrest Paddle Boarding and Pit Stop Boat Ramp Parking. 6:45 AM: Mandatory kayaker safety meeting at the Old Madison County Marina 7:00 AM: Mandatory swimmer safety meeting at race start 7:00 AM: Kayakers for 5 mile swim begin entering the water 7:10 AM: National anthem at race start 7:15 AM: 5 mile swim lineup and final check-in 7:20 AM: 5 mile swimmers enter the water 7:30 AM: 5 mile race begins ***NEW TIME! 7:45 AM: 2 mile race begins ***NEW TIME! 8:00 AM: 1 mile race begins ***NEW TIME! 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Swimmers, kayakers, spectators, volunteers can enjoy complimentary food/drink 9:30 AM or as soon as results are finalized: 1 & 2 mile swim awards 10:00 AM or as soon as results are finalized: 5 mile swim awards NOTE: 5 mile swimmers MUST complete the swim in under 5 hours (12:30PM) and MUST be at the tip of the island (the turnaround point) at 3.5 hours, or 11:00 AM. Race Director reserves the right to pull you after that time. Course Description 5 Mile Swim: Around Hobbs Island - requires the participant to provide kayak and kayaker- This is a five mile circumnavigation of Hobbs Island that will start at the public boat ramp, 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE, between Forrest Paddle Boarding (swimmer/spectator parking) and Pit Stop Boat Ramp Public Parking (volunteer parking). Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline and will swim clockwise around Hobbs Island and finish at the same location as the start. Because the first few miles and the last few hundred meters are against the river current, this swim may take longer than a typical 5 mile swim in the pool. 2 Mile Swim Event This is a two mile out and back that will start at the same public boat ramp as the 5 mile swim start. Start will be at approximately 7:45 AM. Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline. Swimmers will swim upstream approximately 1 mile and then turn around. The finish location will be the same as the start. Because the first mile is against the river current, this swim will take longer than a typical two mile swim in the pool. Please be aware that this is NOT an event for beginner swimmers. You should be able to swim 2.5 miles continuously in a pool before tackling this 2 mile event. 1 Mile Swim Event This is a one mile out and back that will start at the same public boat ramp as the 2 and 5 mile swim start. Start will be at approximately 8:00 AM. Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline. Swimmers will proceed upstream .5 mile and then turn around. The finish location will be the same as the start. Because the first half mile is against the river current, this swim will take longer than a typical one mile swim in the pool. Current and Time Cutoffs Current in the Tennessee River normally varies greatly because this stretch of the river is controlled by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) via flow rates from the Guntersville Dam. However, every year we submit a flow reduction request to TVA for the race. NEVERTHELESS, they do not have to honor this, and they may not, and we have minimal input into this decision. We are grateful that they are often able to do this for our safety and comfort. For your information, typical TVA-adjusted flow rates for this race in the past have been ~19,000 cubic feet per second, which translates to a very reasonable current for most open water swimmers. That said, be prepared to swim longer than a typical 1, 2 or 5 mile swim in the pool. The 5 mile time cutoff is the tip of the island at 3.5 hrs or 11:00 AM and finish by 5 hours or 12:30 PM. No time cutoffs for 1 or 2 milers, although the Race Director may pull you at any time if they feel that your safety is in question. Temperature Water temperatures in mid-September are typically in the mid-70’s. We encourage you to stay very well hydrated before and after, and to select an appropriate pace for your temperature and comfort. Race T-shirts Register by August 31 to guarantee your shirt size! We will order extra shirts, but we cannot guarantee you a shirt or the correct size unless you’re registered by August 31. Spectators There is a small spot near the swim start/exit for spectator, however, it is very rocky and uneven terrain, so please use caution. There is also viewing at Old Madison County Marina, which is more stable, but not a
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 20.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Huntsville, AL.
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
Swim Hobbs Island 2026 — Huntsville, AL takes place on September 20, 2026. The race is held in Huntsville, Alabama.
Where is Swim Hobbs Island 2026 — Huntsville, AL held?
Swim Hobbs Island 2026 — Huntsville, AL is held at 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE in Huntsville, Alabama.
Where can I find hotels near Swim Hobbs Island 2026 — Huntsville, AL?
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