Charles Vender Memorial Swim and Relay 2022

Welcome to the 8th 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 6th time to honor Charles’ memory!

For the 5th consecutive year, this event will be held at 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA.
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.  With the 422 construction completed, we can now swim past the 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 barge, around, and back.  Same rules apply as with the 8 mile.
3. Fast & Furious 5K.  We will be offering a 5K division, swimming mostly downstream for 5K, finishing at the locally world famous pirate ship/barge of Port Indian.  We will take you back to the starting area by boat as quickly as possible.  You may have to wait up to an hour for your return shuttle, but there are no restrictions on the number of people on the barge this year, so feel free to hang out there as long as you like.  We will have water, heed, and light snacks / race food on the barge.    All 5K swimmers MUST either have their own kayaker, OR wear a New Wave Swim Buoy.