Redondo leaders hope open ocean swim serves as Olympic showcase
Mayor Bill Brand has said there’s no better water to swim in than the stretch of ocean between King Harbor and Palos Verdes. He’s repeated that sentiment on multiple occasions since the City of Redondo Beach threw its hat into the ring for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics 10-kilometer marathon swimming event.
On July 14, Race the Avenues, a one-mile open-water swim will showcase that span of the ocean along The Esplanade, both as a potential Olympic course and as the jumping-off point for a new city tradition.
“It’s our continued quest to get Redondo out there… if we become successful having a yearly event and attracting people to Redondo, that’s the draw,” said City Councilman Nils Nehrenheim, who represents the area, and sits on Redondo’s Olympic subcommittee with Councilman John Gran. “It’s one thing we’re doing to get people attracted to South Redondo and Redondo Beach as a whole.”
The plan was hatched by Brand, Redondo Beach Triathlon organizer Rick Crump, Village Runner owner Mike Ward and Bryan Mineo, better known as “The Swim Mechanic.”
“It would be cool to [still] have this in 10 years,” Crump said. “It’s cool to be a part of something with somebody who has vision. If I can help out in some way, that’s awesome.”
The race will be a qualifier for the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, the 2.2-mile race between the Hermosa and Manhattan piers.
The event currently doesn’t have city backing because it will take place on a Los Angeles County beach. But Brand has asked County Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office for support.
“We’re doing whatever we can to help facilitate it,” Brand said. “I’ve run it up the flagpole with the County, and we’ll see. I hope they assist in whatever way they can to make this first year successful.”
“I’m sure it’s going to be popular,” Brand said. “I can’t believe this hasn’t already happened in Redondo.”
For more information or to register, visit rbopenwaterswim.com.