The Rye Beach Challenge is a local community event designed to bring together athletes of all abilities for a fun, unique, and challenging experience in Rye, NY.

Organized in partnership by two local 501(c)(3) organizations – The Rye Tri Club and The Lighthouse Swim – this event showcases the natural beauty of Rye Town Beach and Park while promoting health, fitness, and inclusivity.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 19 2025

Time: 8:00 AM Start | all athletes need to be off the course by 10.30am

Location: Rye Town Beach / Rye Town Park

Start/Finish Area: Beach closest to Dearborn Avenue

Participants can choose one of three event options

Event Options

1. Half-Mile Swim

  • Start on Beach - staggered start based on self-seeding

  • Swim out-and-back (½ mile)

  • Entry and exit monitored via timing mats

  • Medals will be awarded for first three competitors for Male and Female in Wetsuit and Non Wetsuit categories

  • This is the perfect swim for 1st timers!

2. One-Mile Swim (Double Loop)

  • Start on beach - staggered start based on self-seeding

  • Swim out-and-back (½ mile), exit water and cross timing mat

  • Re-enter water via start mat and repeat swim

  • Total swim distance: 1 mile

  • Medals will be awarded for first three competitors for Male and Female in Wetsuit and Non Wetsuit categories

3. Swim-Run-Swim Challenge

  • Start on beach - staggered start based on self-seeding

  • Swim out-and-back (½ mile), exit water and cross mat

  • Transition to running:

    • Change into sneakers

    • Run a marked approx 1-mile course around Rye Town Park borders

  • Return to transition:

    • Remove sneakers, retrieve goggles (or carry them)

    • Re-enter water via swim start mat

    • Complete second ½-mile swim

  • Finish by exiting and run over the timing mat

  • Medals will be awarded for first three competitors for Male and Female

Morning instructions

Park your car in the Rye Town beach parking lot on Dearborn Avenue

You will be required to pick up your timing chip, bracelet and swim cap starting 7am on race day

There will be a short safety briefing before the start that all athletes must attend

Other important notes

If you would like to take part in the race but have a disability or special needs please contact us using the link below and we will do all that we can to make sure you have a great experience!

No fins, no snorkels and no paddles are allowed in the event

In the event that the race, in the view of the race directors, cannot take place due to inclement weather or other unforeseen events participants will be enititled to a 50% reduction for entry to the race the following year.