Registration deadline nears for Long Bridge Swim

SANDPOINT - More than 350 swimmers from the Western U.S. and Canada have already signed up to "take the challenge and take the plunge," as the 18th annual Long Bridge Swim is fast approaching.

The popular 1.76 mile open water swim in Sandpoint on Saturday, Aug. 4 takes place in Lake Pend Oreille.

The deadline for regular registration at the rate of $20 is Saturday.

This year there will be no event-day registration, with the final opportunity to register on Friday, Aug. 3, from 2-5 p.m. at Sandpoint High School. Event organizers encourage participants to sign up as early as possible.

For the first time, the Long Bridge Swim will feature chip timing, as part of a Sandpoint Triathlon, which includes the already-finished CHaFE 150 and the Scenic Half Marathon on Sept. 16.

Registration for the Long Bridge Swim can be done online at www.longbridgeswim.org, or registration forms can be picked up at Sandpoint West Athletic Club, Sandpoint City Rec, Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Safeway and Super 1 Foods.

"This event is only possible with the massive generosity of hundreds of community volunteers, and numerous generous local businesses," race organizer Eric Ridgway said of the event which has featured more than 700 swimmers in the past.

For more information on the event, or to sign up, visit www.longbridgeswim.org.