One and Two Mile OPEN WATER CABLE SWIM
Charlottesville, Virginia
May 31, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 1, 2025
John Shrum Chris Greene Lake Cable Swim
Charlottesville, Virginia Saturday, May 31, 2025
What is a cable swim?
USMS rules tell us that cable swims are open water swims done on a specially designed one-quarter mile straightaway course defined by a cable including frequent buoys.
Sponsored by: Virginia Masters Swim Team and Albemarle County Parks and Recreation
Sanctioned by: LMSC of Virginia Inc. for USMS Inc
Testimonials
“The John Shrum Memorial Swim holds a special place in my heart. It was my first ever open water swim in 1982, and since then, I’ve participated 37 times. John Shrum was one of my best friends and training partner. We trained for this event together for decades. The event’s exact 2-mile distance always felt like a true test of our swimming abilities. Since John passed, it’s an honor to swim in memory of him, whose legacy continues to inspire me with every stroke.”
Shirley Loftus-Charley, Afton
“The John Shrum swim is a gem of a Masters Swimming event set in a beautiful spot. The organizers run it with the utmost professionalism — they think of everything — and with a warm sense of community and fun. They put you in a good mood and the right frame of mind to swim your best swim.”
Richard Gard, Charlottesville
“I have completed several of the John Shrum swims at Chris Greene Lake. As a cautious open water swimmer, I find the pre-start talk to be informative and fun, relaxing some of my jittery nerves. The cable is like a lane line for those of us who need help sighting and swimming straighter. After the swim, there are snacks,a shower, and bathroom facilities. This event is well run and a great one for elite and beginner open water swimmers. “
Kathy Umbdenstock
“I have completed several of the John Shrum swims at Chris Greene Lake. As a cautious open water swimmer, I find the pre-start talk to be informative and fun, relaxing some of my jittery nerves. The cable is like a lane line for those of us who need help sighting and swimming straighter. After the swim, there are snacks,a shower, and bathroom facilities. This event is well run and a great one for elite and beginner open water swimmers. “
Kathy Umbdenstock
“The John Shrum swim is a gem of a Masters Swimming event set in a beautiful spot. The organizers run it with the utmost professionalism — they think of everything — and with a warm sense of community and fun. They put you in a good mood and the right frame of mind to swim your best swim.”
Richard Gard, Charlottesville
“The John Shrum Memorial Swim holds a special place in my heart. It was my first ever open water swim in 1982, and since then, I’ve participated 37 times. John Shrum was one of my best friends and training partner. We trained for this event together for decades. The event’s exact 2-mile distance always felt like a true test of our swimming abilities. Since John passed, it’s an honor to swim in memory of him, whose legacy continues to inspire me with every stroke.”
Shirley Loftus-Charley, Afton
Entries will close at midnight on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
USMS, local, state, and national COVID-19 protocols will be followed.
Online entries: The event will use online entries only. No paper entries.
Each entrant gets a t-shirt.
Eligibility: minimum participation age is 18 by May 31, 2025. Swimmers must be registered with USMS or obtain a USMS one event registration (OEVT.) The fee for one event is $85 or $135 to swim both. One event registration is $20.
Refunds, transfers and deferrals: There are no refunds, transfers or deferrals
First aid: Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad will provide emergency services.
Seeding: Swimmers are seeded fast to slow using their 1650 yard entry time. Instructions will be provided to swimmers during the prerace briefing before both swims.
Temperature restrictions: Water Temperatures expected: Historically the water temperature has been high 70’s to low 80’s. No wetsuits or heat retaining swimwear will be permitted. (FYI: to the best of our knowledge no entrant has ever worn a wetsuit in this event.)
Water Quality: Albemarle County Lakes are administered by Albemarle County Parks and Rec. They are tested weekly. if they deem the water unsafe the event will be canceled.
*NEW* SWIM TWO IN A ROW
We will be joining the organizers of the Reston Masters’ Jim McDonnell Lake Swims 5/25/2025 (https://runsignup.com/jmls) for SWIM TWO IN A ROW!. This special award will be those who complete the Jim McDonnell 1 or 2-mile races and John Shrum Chris Greene 1 or 2-mile races. Every age group is eligible for the award but you must complete all both events. Many of you already swim one or two of our local events, so why not do your best to complete both? What an opportunity!!
Scoring Divisions: scoring divisions are divided into overall, gender, and five year age groups.
Time limits: 1 mile race 60 minutes, two mile race 100 minutes
Food and drinks: we will have water, Gatorade, bagels/cream cheese, and fruit on hand.
Details can be found on registration page.
Race Day Timeline
6:30 am: Beach opens
7:00 am: race check-in opens (all races), lifeguards in place, lake opens for warm ups
8:00 am: 1-mile line up and safety briefing
8:30 am: 1-mile race start
9:00 am: 2-mile check-in closes
9:30 am: 2-mile line up and safety briefing
11:50 am: race course closes, clean up begins
12:00 pm: awards ceremony on the beach
EVENT DETAILS
JOHN SHRUM CHRIS GREENE LAKE SWIM
DATE
May 31, 2025
EVENTS
1-Mile Cable Swim
2-Mile Cable Swim
LOCATION
Chris Greene Lake Park, Charlottesville, VA
START TIME
8:30am
10:00am