More Than 1000 Prepare as Peaks to Portland Rapidly Approaches

You're bound to know someone who's getting ready for the famously loved open water swim, Peaks to Portland, next Saturday, July 20th. Whether they're training in the pool, pulling out their paddles from storage, or finalizing logistical details of their volunteering role, more than 500 swimmers, 400 kayakers, and 100 volunteers are gearing up for what is one of the oldest known open water swims in the world.

Having been swum by tens of thousands of swimmers since before World War II, the event is known to be a grueling 2.4 mile-long challenge that tests the skills and resilience of those who complete it. Swimmers of various abilities and competitive experience come out for the race, along with volunteer kayakers to ensure them safe passage across Casco Bay, and tons of other volunteers behind the scenes to help the day go smoothly. In doing so, participants raise money for the YMCA of Southern Maine, giving back to the community through summer camps, childhood education, affordable childcare, water safety programs, and countless other programs through the years.

Last year, participants in Peaks to Portland raised a whopping $180,000 to support youth programs at the Y. This year, the race is on to break more fund raising records.

For more information on race day, visit the Peaks to Portland facebook page or website. Come out to support your fellow Mainers in completing their fantastic feat next Saturday at East End Beach!

For a peek at what the day looks like from one beach to the other and even overhead, watch this videos from the YMCA of Southern Maine covering last year's Peaks to Portland!