TCI: Race for the Conch

#Providenciales, June 14, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – Ready for the “Race for the Conch” 2018!

Preparations almost complete for the next Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” EcoSeaSwim set for Saturday morning July 7, 2018. Now in its 9th year, the annual swim competition will once again feature 2.4 mile (Ironman), 1 mile, and 1/2 mile events, plus a 100 meter Children’s Swim for kids 10 and under. As before, the swim races will start and finish on the beach in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe.

The race typically draws close to 100 swimmers from the US and Canada and other countries, making it a premier international sporting event for the Turks & Caicos. Founder / Director Ben Stubenberg said TCI has become well-known now as an open water race destination. “The perfect open water conditions of Grace Bay tend to spoil any swimmer who glides through these waters, but I hear time and again how they also love the friendly island welcome. Always nice to see so many visitors organizing their vacations around the “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim. It showcases the best of TCI and benefits the local economy tremendously.”

Swim organizers are especially pleased to see a steady increase in TCI swimmer participation, as both swim clubs and interest in swimming has grown over the past couple of years. Co-Founder / Director Chloe Zimmermann stated, “We’re delighted that we can provide a venue for TCI swimmers to test themselves, as well as compete against top swimmers. The benign water conditions, particularly this time of the year, make it easy for swimmers new to open water swimming to get started. At the same time, the fast swimmers like the fast course and serious competition. So, something for everyone.”

As an “Eco” SeaSwim,” the event is keenly conscious of its environmental responsibility and strongly promotes use of reef safe sunscreens that are free of the reef destroying chemical oxybenzone. Race directors are delighted to have Aloe Up as the official reef safe sunscreen this year. Aloe Up will be providing free sunscreen on the beach for all swimmers and spectators. At the same time, the event will be using biodegradable straws and cups for it’s official rehydration drink NUUN and coconuts provided by CocoVibes.

Race organizers have invited star US Masters and open water swimmer, Eney Jones, to take part in the race and hold swim clinics on Provo. More information will be forthcoming on that next week.

Proceeds from the “Race for the Conch” goes to Provo Children’s Home and other local charities.

TCI swimmers should register for the race at Marco Travel, Caicos Cafe Plaza, Grace Bay to get discounted island resident rates, but they must do so before race day July 7. For more information on the races, including times and course layout, go to www.ecoseaswim.com. Note that races start promptly and all persons should check in on the beach at least one hour before their start time.

Photo credit: TCI Magazine