Swim the Suck 2026

Swimmer Registration opens April 7, 2026 at Noon ET!   Swim the Suck (STS) is a 10-mile open-water race through the scenic Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded in 2010, the event attracts swimmers from across the U.S. and abroad for a unique adventure blending competition, community, and natural beauty. STS 2026 will occur Saturday, October 3rd with a 9:30am start at the Suck Creek Boat Launch. It is hosted by the Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers (C.O.W.S.) and dual-sanctioned by US Masters Swimming and USA Swimming. Participants can complete the 10 mile swim solo (limit of 125 USMS swimmers and 10 USA swimmers) or register as a relay team of 2 swimmers (new this year with a limit of 10 relays total). All swimmers over 18 must have a current USMS or USA membership or purchase a USMS single day event membership. Swimmers 14-17 must be current USA Swimming members. All solo swimmers MUST be accompanied by a PILOT.  Swimmers are STRONGLY encouraged to find their own pil