The International Surf Festival Dwight Crum Pier to Pier Swim is one of the largest open ocean swims in the country.
Last year, over 1,100 swimmers entered the two-mile race, which begins on the south side of the Hermosa Beach pier and ends on the north side of the Manhattan Beach pier.
This year’s event begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2.
“It’s a fabulous event that started in 1962,” said Gary Crum, race director of the event that bears the name of his father, legendary lifeguard Dwight Crum. “We try to make the swim competitive, yet fun for everyone. Many people mark the date on their calendars or plan their vacations so they can come to the South Bay and swim in the event. Last year eight former champions competed.”
Ryan Bullock, of Torrance, is the defending champion. Last year he finished in of 37 minutes, 54 seconds. Mallory Mead, of Los Angeles, was the fastest female swimmer, with a time of 43:21.
“We had about 60 swimmers in 1974,” Crum said. “We’ve had over 1,000 the last five years. Last year we had Olympic swimmer Rebecca Soni and an 80-year-old who made it a personal accomplishment.”
Any contestant who did not complete the 2014 Pier-to-Pier swim must pass a 500-meter check out swim. Swim check outs will be held at the Hermosa Beach Pier on July 11, 18, and 19 from 9-11 a.m.
Registration is online only. The registration fee is $45 until June 30 and $50 from July 1 until midnight July 20.
