FAQ

Schedule.

Deadlines

Registration | Tuesday, February 1, 2020, to Wednesday, May 20, 2020, 11:59 p.m. Guam time.
Late registration and event day registration will not be available. Registration must be completed and paid online via the Guam Cocos Crossing event page on Eventbrite.

Adult Early Bird Registration | February 1 - April 30, 2020

Late Registration | late registration is not available

Event Day | event day registration is not available

Event Day

Check-in | 5:00 am (3k swimmers) 6:00 am (5k & 10k swimmers)
Check-in begins at 5 am at the Merizo Public Pier, Merizo, Guam for 3k swimmers, and 6 am for 5k and 10k swimmers.

Ferry Departure to Cocos Island | 5:45 am
Ferry departures to Cocos Island start at 5:45 am from the Merizo public pier (for the 3k swimmers).

Safety Briefing | 6:45 am
The safety briefing, which is required for all swimmers, begins at 6:45 am both on Cocos Island and at the Merizo public pier.

Swim Start | 7:00 am
All races start simultaneously at 7 am with the sound of air horns.

Fiesta & Entertainment | 8:30 am
Fiesta and Entertainment begin at 8:30 am at the Merizo public pier and feature local food, music and entertainers.

Award Ceremony | 9:30 am
Award ceremony begins at 9:30 am, as soon as all swimmers have reached the finish.

Rules.

Equipment | What equipment is allowed and not allowed?

No swim aids are allowed.
No personal escorts on paddle boards, surfboards, kayaks, boats, etc. are permitted.
No flotation devices, or wetsuits are permitted.
No snorkels, or fins are permitted.
Official event swim caps must be worn properly.
Goggles are recommended.

Swim Stroke | What swim stroke is allowed?

Any swim stroke is allowed, e.g. freestyle, breast, back, butterfly, crawl.

Race/Swim Completion Time | What length of time is allowed to complete event?

Swimmers must finish on/before 4:00:00 (four hours) for all races and swims (3k, 5k & 10k)

Swimmers Pulled from Water | When will swimmers be pulled from the water?

Swimmers will be pulled from the water if they repeatedly swim outside the course markers.
Swimmers will be pulled from water if they are deemed not fit to continue by event organizers, or medical/safety officials.
Swimmers will be pulled from the water if they exceed the race/swim completion time limit of four (4) hours.

Course.

Cocos Lagoon | Semi-protected open ocean.
Cocos Lagoon is located at the southern tip of Guam between the southern shore of the village of Merizo and Cocos Island, a small atoll located on the fringing reef. It is partially protected from the open ocean by the fringing reef and has a deep channel running through it. With open access to the deep sea surrounding Guam, it is teeming with ocean life including, sea turtles, manta rays, and occasional jelly fish and reef sharks. Swimming conditions are very good, but vary with wind and weather. Currents may be experienced based on conditions and location, especially around channels and in front of the Merizo public pier. Visibility is very high, over 100' and temperature is warm at a very comfortable 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 3k race is a straight swim from the Cocos Island pier to the Merizo public pier. The 5k Race and 10k Race start at the Merizo public pier, head out to Cocos Island and return to the Merizo public pier, with the 10k race completing the course twice. All races are water starts and land finishes. The Cocos side start includes walking over pebbles, and the Merizo pier side finish includes exiting up a concrete boat ramp with a slight incline. Swimmers are guided by event buoys placed along the course, which are monitored by volunteers in boats and kayaks. They are also guided to the finish by antenna on the hill directly behind the Merizo public pier.

Safety.

Safety First | All swimmers are responsible for helping ensure a safe event for all.

Swimmers are responsible for their own physical training and preparation for the event.
Goggles are recommended.
Boat and kayak operators will patrol the course.
Volunteers will be present along the course and at the finish area; police and emergency responders may be available based on their schedule.
A swimmer who wishes to be pulled from the water/assisted is to remove his/her swim cap and wave it in air until pick-up.
Swimmers will be pulled from water if they are deemed not fit to continue by event organizers, or medical/safety officials.

Awards.

Recognition for all | Awards, Medals, Medallions.

Trophies are awarded for the first overall male finisher and the first overall female finisher.
Medals are given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners for all age/gender groups.
A finisher medallion and certificate is provided to all swimmers who complete the event.

Logistics.

Parking | Available.
Parking is available at the Merizo public pier and surrounding areas, however it is tight. Please use care when parking not to block other cars, streets or private drive ways.

Storage | Available.
A secure bin will be available at the registration desk to hold small personal items, like keys. A separate bin will be available to hold larger items, like slippers.