YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim 2026 — Wrightsville Beach, NC

Date
September 19, 2026
Location
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Venue
Johnnie Mercers Pier
Start Time
9:00 AM
Entry Fee
$45.00 – $65.00
Events
Individual
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open

Start time is 9:00 AM, so plan your arrival the night before in Wrightsville Beach to avoid early-morning travel stress. The YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim is a 1.7-mile open water event launching from Johnnie Mercers Pier on September 19, 2026. Entry fees run $45 to $65. This is a point-to-point ocean swim, so you'll want accommodations within easy reach of the pier for a relaxed pre-race morning. Wrightsville Beach offers typical coastal lodging options ranging from hotels to vacation rentals, all within minutes of the start. Given the early September date, expect warm water and typical Atlantic conditions. After the swim, you'll have the rest of the day to recover and explore the beach town before heading out.

From the Race Organizer
The YMCA’s Pier-2 Pier Race, in memory of Ryan Young, is an open water ocean swimming event held at beautiful Wrightsville Beach, NC. The swim is approximately 2 miles point-to-point between Johnnie Mercers and Crystal Piers with prevailing current. This unique event creates a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in the swimming community and highlights the Y’s commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. All proceeds from the Pier-2-Pier race benefit the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program, a free water safety and swim course available to the community each spring, summer and fall.

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim 2026 — Wrightsville Beach, NC

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 19.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Wrightsville Beach, NC. 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
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim 2026 — Wrightsville Beach, NC?

YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim 2026 — Wrightsville Beach, NC takes place on September 19, 2026. The race is held in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Where is YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim 2026 — Wrightsville Beach, NC held?

YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim 2026 — Wrightsville Beach, NC is held at Johnnie Mercers Pier in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Where can I find hotels near YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim 2026 — Wrightsville Beach, NC?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Wrightsville Beach. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.