First Reef & Run is free for all-comers



The days are getting longer and the ocean is getting warmer, which can mean only one thing: Reef and Run!

The premier ocean swimming event on the South Coast, Reef and Run returns to East Beach for the fifth year. Swimmers hit the water for the first event of the season on June 6th, at 6:30pm in front of the beautiful and historic Cabrillo Bathhouse on East Beach. The season runs every Thursday evening through August 29th, with the season opener on June 6th offered free to all participants.

“We’re thrilled to be back at the Cabrillo Bathhouse and East Beach for our fifth season”, said Jane Cairns, Race Director. “With top level support from sponsors and volunteers, the fifth year of Reef and Run is going to be our biggest year yet, which in turn helps to support the next generation of ocean swimmers, the Santa Barbara Jr. Lifeguards.

Since its start in 2009, Reef and Run has strived to be the best ocean swimming event in town, by swimmers, for swimmers. Reef and Run offers three different swim races: The Santa Barbara Swim Club 500 meter swim, the Santa Barbara Triathlon 1k swim and the Elite Performance 1 mile swim. On select weeks, the JFM Web Design Biathlon takes swimmers out around the 1k course and then onto a soft sand run towards the harbor and back. Thanks to sponsorship by local law firm, Mullen &Henzell, Reef and Run 2013 will also feature the inaugural Youth 1K Grand Prix Series.

Post-race activities are held at East Beach Grill and will feature a full menu and top local bands.