Swim Hobbs Island

Date: September 7, 2025

Location: Ditto Landing 293 Ditto Landing Road Southeast, Huntsville, AL

Check in: 06:30 am

Race start time: 08:20 am

5 Mile Swim: Around Hobbs Island

This is a five mile circumnavigation of Hobbs Island that will start at the public boat ramp, 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE, between Forrest Paddle Boarding (swimmer/spectator parking) and Pit Stop Boat Ramp Public Parking (volunteer parking). Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline and will swim clockwise around Hobbs Island and finish at the same location as the start. Because the first few miles and the last few hundred meters are against the river current, this swim may take longer than a typical 5 mile swim in the pool.

2 Mile Swim Event

This is a two mile out and back that will start at the same public boat ramp as the 5 mile swim start.  Start will be just after the 5 mile swim start. Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline. Swimmers will swim upstream approximately 1 mile and then turn around. The finish location will be the same as the start. Because the first mile is against the river current, this swim will take longer than a typical two mile swim in the pool. Please be aware that this is NOT an event for beginner swimmers. You should be able to swim 2.5 miles continuously in a pool before tackling this 2 mile event.

1 Mile Swim Event

This is a one mile out and back that will start at the same public boat ramp as the 5 and 2 mile swim start.  Start will be just after the 2 mile swim start. Swimmers will enter the water via ramps on the shoreline. Swimmers will proceed upstream 0.5 mile and then turn around at the turnaround buoy. The finish location will be the same as the start. Because the first half mile is against the river current, this swim will take longer than a typical one mile swim in the pool.

Race Day:

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM:  Cap pickup and check-in at the public boat dock, 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE, between Forrest Paddle Boarding and Pit Stop Boat Ramp Parking.

7:30 AM: Mandatory Swimmer & Kayaker Safety Meetings (kayaker meeting is at Old Madison County Marina, swimmer meeting is at race start)

7:45 AM:  Kayakers for 5 Mile Swim begin entering the water at Old Madison County Marina.

8:00 AM: National Anthem at race start

8:15 AM:  5 Mile Swim lineup and final check-in

8:20 AM:  5 Mile swimmers enter the water.

8:30 AM:  5 Mile race begins

8:45 AM:  2 mile race begins

9:00 AM:  1 mile race begins

9:30 AM – 2:30 PM:  Swimmers, kayakers, spectators, volunteers can enjoy complimentary food/drink

10:30 AM or as soon as results are finalized: 1 & 2 Mile Swim Awards

11 AM or as soon as results are finalized:  5 Mile Swim Awards

NOTE:  5 Mile Swimmers MUST Complete the Swim in Under 5 hours (1:30pm) and MUST be at the tip of the island (the turnaround point) at 3.5 hours, or 12:00pm. Race Director reserves the right to pull you after that time.

Awards will be as follows
5 Mile Swim
Top 3 Male Swimmers
Top 3 Male Masters (40+ years old)
Top 3 Female Swimmers
Top 3 Female Masters (40+ years old)

2 Mile Swim
Top 3 Male Swimmers
Top 3 Male Wetsuit Swimmers
Top 3 Female Swimmers
Top 3 Female Wetsuit Swimmers
Top 3 Male Masters (40+ years old)
Top 3 Female Masters (40+ years old)

1 Mile Swim
Top 3 Male Swimmers
Top 3 Male Wetsuit Swimmers
Top 3 Female Swimmers
Top 3 Female Wetsuit Swimmers
Top 3 Male Masters (40+ years old)
Top 3 Female Masters (40+ years old)