Charles Bender Memorial Swim and Relay

Welcome to the 12th Annual Charles Bender Memorial Swim and Relay, presented by French Creek Racing! This swim was created based on an exploratory swim done by 4 men in September 2014: Jesse Kelly, Nabil Radouane, John Kenny, and Charles Bender. Charles was the race director at our inaugural race, completed in 2015. This swim is now dedicated to Charles Bender, who died tragically of heart failure in March 2017. We are excited to have the Bender Family back for the 8th time to honor Charles' memory! Parking and directions: Use the GPS address - 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA 19403. There is plenty of space available in this parking lot. From the lot, walk south (away from the Schuylkill River Trail) down the asphalt path toward the river. After you cross the road, make a left and walk downstream (east) for about 200 yards until you'll see our launch area on your right. Swimmers and kayakers may drop off equipment at the launch area. Please keep your loading time to a maximum of 10 minutes. Absolutely no parking in front of the launch area after 7:00AM. Upon arrival, check in at our registration table, mark your numbers, and take a cap. This event features the following races: 1. 8 Mile Swim, The "Classic" distance (Individual or 2-4 Person Relay). The 8 mile course is a round trip course with half of the swim against the current. All swimmers must have their own kayaker in their proximity at all times. If you need us to provide a kayak and paddler, please indicate so on your registration. 2. 15K distance. Racers will swim past the 422 bridge for over a half mile additional distance, each way. Same rules apply as with the 8 mile. 3. 6 Mile distance. Swim to the western tip of Barbadoes Island and back. Same rules apply as with the 8 mile. Bender Swim Schedule: Tuesday 9/1 at 12 Noon - Online registration closes. Thursday 9/3 - Practice swims available 5-7PM. Saturday 9/5 5:30AM - Swimmers and crew should try to arrive 45-60 minutes before their w