Race for the Conch, a swim race for a good cause

Turks and Caicos, June 8th 2017: First event on the calendar for the month of July in the Turks and Caicos is the Annual “Race for the Conch” event.

In its eigth year, the annual eco-sea swim race raises funds for local charities, including the Providenciales Children’s Home, a major beneficiary, not to mention the TCI’s Swim Federation and its drive to expand learn-to-swim opportunities in the Turks and Caicos.

The event features three main distances, the Ironman, a 2.4 mile or 3.8 km race, the one mile and the half mile, including a 100 meters Children’s Swim for kids ages 10 and under.

To race directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann, the event raises awareness and interest in swimming, while the “eco”, part promotes the use of non-toxic reef safe sunscreens.

This year organizers are partnering with the sunscreen company, RAW, to provide an effective alternative sunscreen without oxybenzone and other chemicals that damage the reef.

Stubenberg describes the event as another great way to use our incredible ocean resources to tap into the burgeoning sports tourism market and generate revenue for TCI.

The event comes on the heels of the venue declared as an open water safe-swim zone, one of the few in the world.

It is anticipated that the event will gather participants from around the world, including some 175 swimmers from the US and Canada, and neighbouring nations.

The “Race for the Conch” takes place in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe beginning at 8 am on July 1st. Persons interested in more race information, including times, and rules can be found at www.ecoseaswim.com or by contacting a Race Director at raceinfo@ecoseaswim.com.  Organisers say TCI residents get an island discount on the entry fee if they sign up directly at Marco Travel located in the Caicos Cafe Plaza, Grace Bay.

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