Event Information
The John Shrum Chris Greene Lake Cable Swim takes place at the beautiful Chris Greene Lake Park, just north of Charlottesville. Swimmers can choose between a 1-mile or 2-mile race, or take on the challenge of doing both. The 1-mile swim consists of two laps of the race course, while the 2-mile swim features four laps of the race course. The course is marked with a swimming pool-style lap lane, making it easy to sight and track your pace accurately.
This event offers a unique opportunity to experience open-water swimming in a pristine setting. Register now to join the fun!
Event Psych Sheet & Results
Get ready to dive into the action! The psych sheet and results for the John Shrum Chris Greene Lake Swim, are available now. Preview the competition, check out seed times, and see where you stack up against fellow swimmers. Stay informed and start planning your race strategy today!
Cable Swim Race Course
The race course consists of a straightaway cable anchored by 2 pylons measured at precisely 440 yards (0.25 miles). The cable contains buoys to mark the course path. The start and finish of each race will be in the water.
The 1-mile swim consists of 2 laps around the straightaway cable.
The 2-mile race consists of 4 laps around the straightaway cable.
Both the 1- and 2-mile distances are surveyed, certified and qualify for national records. No splits or premature finishes will be eligible for records.
Historical Water Temps for Chris Greene Lake
Key Observations:
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Water temperature avg. Jun (78°F - 82°F).
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Warmest avg: July (84°F).
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Coolest avg: January (38°F).
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Rapid warming often occurs: April - May (+16°F).
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Sharpest cooling trend: October - November (-14°F).
Source: Data compiled from NOAA and USGS datasets. Temperature data is based on water surface temperature readings from satellite.
John Shrum Chris Greene
Lake Swim Story
The annual John Shrum Chris Greene Lake Swim stands as one of the longest-running open water swimming events in the United States. Since its inception in 1977, this iconic race has drawn Masters swimmers from around the world to Charlottesville, Virginia, to compete in its challenging 1- and 2-mile cable swims.
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In 1980, the event gained further prominence when Chris Greene Lake became a recurring host site for the U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) Open Water National Championships. This prestigious designation solidified the race’s reputation as a premier competition and a cornerstone of the Virginia Open Water Series. Recognized as one of America's Top 100 Open Water Swims (source: Openwaterpedia.com), the event continues to celebrate a legacy of athleticism, camaraderie, and excellence.
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Swimmers of all ages and backgrounds gather each summer to honor the memory of John Shrum, a passionate athlete and community member, while testing their endurance and skill in the beautiful waters of Chris Greene Lake.
Event Results
Stay updated with the latest results from the John Shrum Chris Greene Lake Swim. Check back here for a comprehensive list of times, rankings, and achievements as swimmers showcase their skills.
Whether you’re tracking your personal performance or celebrating the accomplishments of fellow competitors, this is your go-to hub for all race results and highlights. Celebrate the triumphs, relive the excitement, and see how you stack up against the best in the water!