Are paddlers compulsory in the Fremantle Ports 10km Challenge?

No, but they are highly recommended. Non-accompanied swimmers will be able to make use of the feeding zone off Coogee Beach once the race has started. You will need to have someone bring your drink/food to you in the water. Personal open water floats for unaccompanied swimmers are recommended.

 

Are paddlers allowed in the Port Coogee Santa's Lap and the City of Cockburn Merry Mile events?

No, paddlers are only allowed to accompany swimmers registered for the Fremantle Ports 10km Challenge.

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Do I need to register my paddler's details when I enter?

Yes, but if you are not sure of their details you can enter them closer to race day. Please ensure you register your paddler's details before race day so they can receive all relevant event and safety briefing materials.

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What swimwear can I wear?

If you are intending to register your 10km time as a qualifying swim for a Rottnest Crossing you must comply with RCS and P2P swimwear rules which you can view on their websites. Other 10km swimmers may wear other types of swimwear eg wetsuits,  but their times will not be registered as a 10km qualifier.

Swimmers in the Port Coogee Santa's Lap (3.4km) and City of Cockburn Merry Mile (1600m) do NOT need to wear RCS / P2P compliant swimwear.

 

What is the minimum age for swimmers?

Fremantle Ports 10km Challenge swimmers must all be a minimum of 14 years on race day.

Port Coogee 1-Lap Cruiser swimmers must all be a minimum of 12 years on race day.

City of Cockburn Merry Mile swimmers must all be a minimum age of 11 years on race day.

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Is there a maximum number of swimmers permitted?

For the safety of all swimmers the following limits on race entries will be applied:

  Fremantle Ports 10km Challenge - a maximum of 325 swimmers

  Port Coogee Santa's Lap - a maximum of 175 swimmers

  City of Cockburn Merry Mile - a maximum of 150 swimmers.

These limits may be revised at the organiser's discretion (up or down) to ensure the safety of all participants.

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Are there any event prizes?

No, this event will not have any prizes but you will be able to use your time to qualify for a Rottnest Crossing.

With the support of our event sponsors, there will be a number of spot prizes randomly allocated to competitors through pre-event promotions and prize giveaways on Facebook & Instagram.

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What are the time limits for the events?

All swimmers in the Fremantle Ports 10km Challenge will be allowed 4 hours 15 mins from the start of their respective wave to complete their swim, the time to qualify for a Rottnest Crossing.

Port Coogee Santa's Lap swimmers must complete the course by no later than 9.45am or approx 2 hours from the start of their race wave.

City of Cockburn Merry Mile swimmers must complete the course by 8.30am or approx 1 hour from the start of their race wave.

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What does my entry fee cover?

Depending on your event, your entry fee covers swimmers and paddlers and includes public liability insurance (not personal accident insurance), water safety, electronic timing, a swim cap, a race number tattoo, fruit and water at the end of the race, and access to the safest, least congested 10km qualifier on the OWS Calendar.

If you are taking part in the Fremantle Ports 10km Challenge, your entry fee also includes a complimentary C10K Event Beanie. Participants in the Port Coogee Santa's Lap and City of Cockburn Merry Mile races will each received a complimentary C10K Neck Gaiter.

Importantly - FOR ALL SWIMMERS - your entry fee covers your entry for both Saturday 21 December as well as the contingency date of Sunday 22 December (see below for more details).

A copy of the full Event Terms & Waiver can be accessed here. All competitors will acknowledge this as part of the online entry process through OnReg.

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What is the contingency date?

With support from the approving authorities and each of our key service providers, we have secured a contingency date. 

In circumstances where there are unfavourable weather conditions preventing the event from going ahead on Saturday 21 December, we now have the option to reschedule the event to the following day..

Should it be necessary to activate the contingency date, all swim distances will be held on Sunday 22 December in exactly the same format.

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What if I can't make the event on the contingency date?

FOR ALL SWIMMERS - your entry fee covers your entry for both Saturday 21 December as well as the contingency date of Sunday 22 December and there will be NO refunds for swimmers who cannot attend on Sunday 22 December should the contingency date be activated.

Please make sure you are available for BOTH dates.

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Will late entries be available on race day?

Subject to availability, late entries will be available on race day but we highly recommend entering online early during the registration period to avoid disappointment as there are strict caps on numbers in each event to ensure safety and enjoyment for all.

As a guide when planning your online entry, note that each of the past FOUR events (2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023) were fully SOLD OUT and NO late entries were accepted on race day.

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If I withdraw from the Event, will I be entitled to a refund of my entry fee?

Any registered swimmer withdrawing from the Event for any reason will NOT be entitled to an entry fee refund.

With the permission of the organiser, a transfer of a swimmer’s registered entry to a nominated replacement swimmer may be permitted if sufficient written notice (by email to the organiser) of an "intention to withdraw and transfer" is received. 

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If there should be a cancellation of the Event (or Rescheduled Event) because of weather or other adverse conditions, will I be entitled to a refund of my entry fee?

Should weather or adverse conditions render it too unsafe to proceed on Saturday 21 December, the contingency date will be activated. There will be no refund of entry fees for the Event and instead it will be held on Sunday 22 December (as the Rescheduled Event). 

Should it then be necessary to cancel the Rescheduled Event in such similar circumstances, there will generally be NO refund of entry fees.

Please make sure you are available for both dates in the event that the contingency date is activated.

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If there should be a cancellation of the Event in order to comply with any local, State or Federal directives regarding Covid-19, will I be entitled to a refund of my entry fee?

For any cancellation of the Event in such circumstances, entry fee refunds will be considered at the organiser’s discretion with a view to balancing the Event's commitments to all key stakeholders involved, including swimmers, sponsors, Event suppliers and service providers. Organisers will seek the fairest possible outcome and will use best endeavours to offer partial refund arrangements (which may include payment, discount or donation options for swimmers) provided that all other Event contractual commitments have been met first..

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Will Santa Claus be making an appearance on race day?

You never know!

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And what about the Three Wise Turkeys?

Yes, they will definitely be there making fools of themselves as usual!!