2026 U.S. Masters Swimming Open Water Middle Distance National Championships: Square Lake 2 Mile Swim

Race Info

2026 U.S. Masters Swimming Open Water Middle Distance National Championships: Square Lake 2 Mile Swim

Sat July 25, 2026

Stillwater, MN 55082 US

Event Info

2 Mile Swim

Price: $96.40 incl. $6.40 Fee

200 spots left. Registration Opens March 16, 2026 at 12:00am CDT

Open to ages 18+.

USMS $20 Discount: If you are a current USMS member you will be given a $20 RACE credit before checkout. This will appear in the registration process. USMS One Day event registrants and all other exhibition swimmers will not be eligible for USMS national championship awards.

Description

Welcome to Minnesota! Race in one of Minnesota's amazing 10,000 lakes! Square Lake is close to Minneapolis/ St. Paul and historic downtown Stillwater, MN. The USMS National Championship race is a 2-mile open water swim.

Venue Location

15450 Square Lake Trail North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Parking Lot Fee

There is a $7/car fee to park your vehicle for the day. There is one machine in each of the two parking lots. Plan extra time to pay for parking.

Water Temperature

The water temperature is estimated to be around 78 to 82 degrees.

Event Official

Race Director: Nicki Phillips: [email protected]

Rules and Safety

Current USMS Open Water rules apply. Under USMS Open Water rules, your age is determined as of December 31, 2026, except that you must be at least age 18 years old on July 25, 2026. All participants are required to wear the event-supplied brightly colored swim cap and have their body marked with registration number for safety reasons.

Sanction Number

The sanction number for the middle distance championships is 304-W001.

Para Swimmers/ Disability Swimmers

Para and Disability swimmers are welcome. Please notify the race director prior to the competition day, of any disability and of the requested modification. The swimmer/coach shall provide any assistance or equipment if required.

Swimwear and Caps

Swimmers shall wear swimsuits in one or two pieces. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials and not contain clasps or zippers. For both men and women, the swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulder nor below the ankles. No fins, buoys, or other devices will be allowed. You must wear the swim cap provided for your race.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are only allowed in the exhibition heat. If these are used, the swimmer will not qualify for any national USMS awards.

Rules

Current USMS rules will govern this event. See part 3 of the USMS Rule Book for details.

One-Day USMS Swimmers

All registered one-day USMS swimmers will swim in the exhibition heat and will not qualify for any national USMS awards.

Check-In

Morning check-in starts at 6:40. Please arrive early and allow extra time for checking in. Check-In closes 35 minutes prior to race time.

Timing Chips

We are using a chip timing system for the swim. All swimmers will have to pick up their timing chip the morning of their swim and return chips immediately at the finish line. Please make sure that you turn in your timing chip right after you finish the swim. You will be charged for the timing chip if you fail to do so. If you lose your chip during the race please let the race director know immediately after the swim to ensure correct backup times. If you leave the race early, please turn in your timing chip to the timing chip company and check in with the race director. Failure to do so may cause race disruptions and safety protocols to be activated.

Mandatory Course Briefing

The mandatory course and safety briefing begins promptly 15 minutes prior to race start and all participants are required to attend.

2 Mile Course

Rectangular 1 mile course marked by buoys, lifeguards on rescue boats, kayaks, and other safety resources. In-water start, swim two loops counter-clockwise around four tetrahedron turn buoys with finish through the chute on shore. Course is subject to change as event day conditions warrant.

Online Registration

Early entry fee for the 1 mile is $90 ($20 discount for registered USMS members or $70) for entries received by 11:59 PM CT May 1, 2026. Regular entry fee for the 1 mile is $100 ($20 discount for registered USMS members or $80) for entries received by 11:59 CT July 19, 2026. No paper entries accepted for this event. If there is a problem registering, contact event host. Use link below to join USMS. Join or renew USMS Here

Entry Limits

Entries are limited to 200 swimmers for the event.

Race Day Entries

No late day entries! No race day entries! No exceptions! No transfers! No deferrals! No refunds! No whining!

Inclement Weather

Event may be delayed or cancelled due to extreme weather or other emergency as determined by the race director, safety director, or venue host. No refunds will be given for race cancellation due to weather conditions. Every effort will be made to hold a safe race.

T-Shirts

T-shirts are an add-on to this race. You will be able to order a t-shirt for $20 within the registration process through July 1, 2026.

Awards

USMS National Championship medals will be awarded to the top 6 men and women in each age group: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, (additional 5-year age groups as needed). All-American patches will be given to all first-place age group winners of each gender. Awards will only be given out at the awards ceremony; they will not be mailed out afterwards. USMS one day registrants and all other exhibition swimmers will not be eligible for USMS national championship awards. Use link below to join USMS. Join or renew USMS Here

Hotel Information

Here are some suggested hotels close to the lake.

• AmericInn Stillwater 13025 60th St N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 651-275-0980
• Country Inn and Suites 2000 Washington Avenue Stillwater, MN, 55082 866-246-0070
• Stillwater Inn & Suites 1750 W Frontage Rd W Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-1300

Course Map

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Directions Open in External Application View Map

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