Potomac River Swim

20.5 miles

Fletcher's Cove, Washington DC to 

Mount Vernon, Virginia

2026 Swim Dates: July 16-18, September 14-15 (2-4 spots per date)

Welcome to the 2026 DC Marathon Swim season.

We are offering dates that coincide with favorable tides (Yes, the Potomac River is tidal!). Each date consists of a small pod of 2-4 swimmers or relays. A minimum of two solo swimmers or relays are needed to swim on a scheduled date.

Our objective is to provide every swimmer a safe opportunity to complete the entire swim. Unless constrained by safety concerns and/or permits, we will swim rain or shine, day and night. Potomac tides switch approximately every six hours, and with variable winds, that generate currents that assist and hinder your progress. Prepare yourself and your crew for difficult conditions, and immeasurable fun! Throughout the season temperatures vary greatly, so be prepared and capable of swimming in temps from low 60’s to mid 80's degrees. The Marathon staging and start times will be approximately 6:00am.  Some will finish before sunset, some won’t.  Be prepared for a night swim finish. 

2026 Swim Dates are July 16-18 (17th is target day), September 14-15 (14th is targeted day). We will place you in similarly paced groups of 3-5 swimmers. 

RAIN DAY - It is our intention to swim on the scheduled day. If rain, environmental/permit, or weather factor into cancelling the scheduled day we will evaluate and consider the following options: 1) Swim on the following day. 2) Swim a south course alternate which is approximately 17 miles total. 3) Cancel the swim (Booooo!)

DCM Swim is open to qualified swimmers and relays only. Please submit a detailed list of swimming accomplishments in preparation of a marathon swim. If you have volunteered in a past DC Marathon Swim or other WaveOne Open Water events, add your volunteer contributions.

All swimmers must be supported by crew (1 person minimum), power boat (supplied), kayaker (supply option) and official observer (supplied). 

Solo: cost is $3850  (Kayaker and kayak can be supplied by DCM for an extra $350 fee.) We encourage you bring a kayaker that is familiar with your swimming.

Tandem Swimmers: Tandem swimmers are two similar speed swimmers swimming from one support boat and two kayaks. Cost for each swimmer is $2250 total (including a $600 non refundable deposit.)

Relay: Cost for a 3 person relay is $1575 per person. A four person relay is $1225 per person. Five swimmer relays must be approved to determine the availability of a boat to accommodate all people plus the observer. Cost for five swimmer relay is $1025 per swimmer. All relay fees include the nonrefundable $300 deposit. See below for sign up option. Under 18 age relays contact us directly.

We require an initial deposit of $600 for solo swimmers and $300 for relay swimmers. The balance will be due upon acceptance or within 2 weeks of being selected/confirmed. Swim dates will be confirmed ASAP and final information will be firmed up as we approach your swim date. You may register up to 2 weeks prior to a swim, with a possible $200 charge added within 30 days of the swim date.

Registration Check List:  Name, preferred swim dates, swim time for 1 mile pool or open water, 5K or 10K, swim resume and considerations for choice for this year's swim, credit card. We will ask for crew once you are selected.

Any questions can be directed to [email protected]

FAQ AND TIMELINE CAN BE FOUND HERE

Hotel information and 20% discount reservations can be found here - National Harbor Hyatt Place