weather forecast
SUNNY
air temp range
65˚ F - 90˚ F
current water temp
79˚ F
Race Day Information
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Chris Greene Lake for race day. Please review the information below before arriving, including weather and water conditions, race schedules, venue logistics, local rules, and suggested items to bring.
Weather and Water Conditions
Current water temperature: 79°F (12 inches of depth)
Based on current conditions, Category II thermal suits will not be allowed for this event. Please continue to monitor race-day weather conditions and check for any updates before arriving.
The current forecast for the Saturday morning event window looks favorable overall. Conditions are expected to be mostly sunny from early morning through noon, with temperatures rising quickly from the upper 60s around 6:00 a.m. to near 90°F by noon. Rain and thunderstorms do not appear to be a concern during the race window at this time, with the better chance for unsettled weather holding off until later Saturday into Sunday. Winds are expected to remain manageable, though they may increase a bit later in the morning. The main weather considerations for swimmers, volunteers, kayakers, and spectators will be heat, sun exposure, hydration, sunscreen, and shade. We will continue monitoring the forecast closely leading into race morning.
Race officials will monitor weather conditions throughout the event. Any weather-related delays, holds, or course changes will be communicated on site.
Event Schedule
6:30 am: Beach opens
7:00 am: Race Check-in OPENS
8:00 am: 1-mile Line Up & Safety Brief
8:30 am: 1-mile Race Start
9:00 am: 2-mile Check-in CLOSES
9:30 am: 2-mile Line Up & Safety Brief
10:00 am: 2-mile Race Start
11:45 am: Race Course CLOSES
12:00 pm: Awards Ceremony
Volunteer Schedule
6:30 am: Beach opens
6:45 am: Registration Crew in Place
6:45 am: Safety Orientation
6:55 am: Lifeguards in Place
7:00 am: Warm-up Area Opens
7:30 am: Race Logistics Orientation
7:45 am: ALL Volunteers in Place
11:45 am: Race Course is Cleared
12:00 pm: Post-Event Cleanup
Venue and Logistics
Chris Greene Lake Park information is available on the Albemarle County Parks & Recreation website:
Restrooms and changing areas are available at the beach facility. There is plenty of parking, including overflow parking at the beach facility.
Please observe all park and event rules while on site:
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No vehicles are allowed on the beach.
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No dogs or pets are allowed on the beach. A dog park is available a short hike from the beach area.
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No glass containers are allowed on the beach.
Swimming Checklist & What to Bring
Recommended items for race day:
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Beach chair
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Beach umbrella or sun shelter
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Beach or water footwear
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Sunscreen and hat
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Water for hydration
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Extra towels
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Extra goggles
Frequent Questions
I am new to open water swimming, is this race right for me?
This event is ideal for swimmers who are new to open water swimming and looking for a new experience. Lake water conditions are gentle, the distance is not daunting, and the race course is easy to sight during the swim. With the start and finish taking place in the water, there is no "mad dash" at the start and finishes.
Can I warm up before my event?
The lake opens at 7am and warm-up on the cable course will be available 7:00-8:00am. There will also be a warmup area separate from the race course. Warmups will not be permitted during the event for safety reasons.
What safety measures do you have in place?
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad will be on site with boats, scuba divers, and a rescue squad. We will also have additional volunteer lifeguards and manned kayaks in the water to help monitor and assist swimmers as needed. There will also be safety briefings with all participants prior to both swim events. We will also monitor any inclement weather activity that may threaten the safety of the event and cancel as appropriate.
Where does the race start and finish?
Both races will start and finish in the water - this helps reduce chaos, congestion and injuries. Swimmers will wade out into the water to the starting line to start the race. The finish will be located at 2 buoys in the water and swimmers will be guided through a post-finish chute to exit the lake.
Will there be a lot of swimmers starting at the same time?
Each year swimmer registrations fluctuate. The past couple years we have had between 85-125 swimmers compete. Both races will start in waves - 10 swimmers per. wave, staggered at 30-second intervals to reduce congested traffic at the start of the race.
What are the typical water conditions?
The open water swims take place in a man-made lake. Water temperatures for this time of year range between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. The lake is sheltered with little to no wind and no currents, waves, tides or jellyfish to worry about. Sighting is relatively easy for an open water swim event. Albemarle County Parks and Recreation perform weekly water tests to ensure safe water conditions and levels.
Can I wear a wetsuit for the races?
Since the average water temperature of the lake is 78 degrees or higher, only Category 1 swimwear is allowed (in accordance with article 303.4.2 of USMS Open Water and Long Distance Swimming Rules). If the water temperatures are below a certain threshold, we will make adjustments for allownace of Category 2 swimwear and organize separate heats for those swimmers.
Can anyone swim this event?
All swimmers for this event must be USMS registered members and have their memberships active at time of event. Swimmers who are not active USMS members may fill out a One Event Registration form. Swimmers who register through One Event will NOT be eligible for USMS national titles or records.
How can I register for the event?
You can register online on our event registration page - available from the web menu or the register button on home page.
Can I register the morning of event?
You must register online for this event. We will not take any on-site registrations the morning of the event.
What is the cancellation policy?
There are no refunds, transfers or deferrals for cancellations.
What are the age requirements?
Since this is a USMS sanctioned event, all swimmers must be a minimum of 18 years of age by the day of the event. All age groups are determined by your age on 12/31/2026. Age groups will start at 18-24 and then in 5 year increments for both men and women categories.
What happens if I can't meet event time restrictions?
If you fall outside the time limit for either event, you will be stopped mid swim and assisted back to the beach for recovery. Any swimmer unable to complete the event will be listed as "DNF" (did not finish) in the official results.
How can I volunteer to help out with the event?
We are always looking for volunteers to help us run and manage the event. You can signup on the Volunteer for located on our "Contact Us" page of the website. If you would like to volunteer for a position you do not see on the form or would like to help in different way, please reach out to us through the general contact form and we will be happy to wok with you and find ways to help out with the event.
What amenities are available at the lake?
Chris Greene Lake Park features a man-made lake with a pleasant, sandy beach, plenty of parking, and a bath house with running water and bathrooms. We will have a couple of tents setup on the beach for event registration and respite from the sun. There will also be food and beverages available for all event attendees. Since this is on the beach sand bar, we encourage folks to bring hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, and any other sun shade they prefer. There are sparse shaded areas available and the sun can get intense.