Dock2Dock Swim 2020 - Swimming in London, UK

Dock2Dock Swim routes

The 10k & 5k event start in Royal Victoria Dock and swimmers power their way eastward into Royal Albert Dock, before turning around and heading back to Royal Victoria.

The 10k Race is 2 laps of the swim course and the 5k is one lap.

The 1.5k event will take place in Royal Victoria Dock.

With these 3 distances, the Dock2Dock offers a range of distances to suit open water swimmers of all abilities, however, this is a challenging event and is not suitable for swimmers without some open water training.

The Dock2Dock Race will operate using the NOWCA safety system offering all competitors a safe and enjoyable race.

Event Details

What’s Included

Swim cap
On-course safety
race timing
Nutrition & Hydration (5k & 10k)
Post-race refreshments
Finisher's pack
Official event photography
Bag drop

Raceday Logistics

Schedule:

06:30: Venue opens
6:30 - 8:45: Registration open
7:30 - 9:00: Bag drop and Nutrition drop open (Swimmers Village)
09:00: Mandatory safety briefing
10:00: Provisional start time for all races

Bag Drop:

All bags must have your name showing – swing tags will be provided if you forget. All nutrition bags must be labelled with swimmer name, category (10 or 5) and marked “A” or “B” to correspond with the feed station (A is halfway through the course and B is at the 2.5k turnaround.

Age Restrictions:

10K & 5K: swimmers must be 16 & over

1.5K: Swimmers must be 12 & over. Those between the age of 12-16 will require written parental permission and must wear a wetsuit and use a tow float.

NOWCA Safety Wristband:

All competitors must now have a valid NOWCA safety wristband and wear this on the day. If you competed in the 2019 event or regularly swim at a NOWCA venue then you will already have a wristband and just need to check that it is valid on the day of the event. (ie. you’ve paid your yearly fee of £12).

If you do not already have a band, you must purchase one by creating an account here: https://kscan.co/customer/register?org=nowca. You can select a NOWCA venue near you to collect your band. If you wish to collect on the day, be sure to choose LONDON ROYAL DOCKS as your pick-up location. The earlier you get your wristband, the sooner you can join a session at a NOWCA venue around the country.

Please note, completing your registration will NOT automatically register you for a wristband. This must be done by following the instructions above.

YOU MUST PURCHASE YOUR NOWCA SAFETY WRISTBAND NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2020.

Tow Floats:

All swimmers in the 5K and 10K events, and those 12-16 years of age swimming in the 1.5K event, must use a tow float. You may use your own tow float if you have one, or purchase one at race entry.

Wetsuits:

Wetsuits are optional in all distances except for the 12-16 age category in the 1.5K event. Junior swimmers in the 1.5K must wear a wetsuit and use a tow float.

Kit List

NOWCA SAFETY WRISTBAND - please see race day logistics above for information regarding the NOWCA safety wristband.

NOTE: You will not be able to purchase a wristband on event day either online or at registration.

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RACE WITHOUT A VALID SAFETY WRISTBAND

WETSUITS

Wetsuits are OPTIONAL for the Dock2Dock event other than the 12-16 category, in the 1500m event in which they are COMPULSORY.

Spectators

SPECTATORS

One of the great benefits of this event is the many vantage points it provides for spectators. There is a walkway nearly the entire length of the Dock, starting from the Emirates Skyline and continuing past the ExCel down to Royal Albert Dock with many eating / drinking options along the way.

There are also a number of cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of the Swimmers Village. Crystal Café (directly beside race check-in area) will be open from 0730am.

The Oiler Bar is waterside next to the Pontoon and will be open from noon selling drinks and delicious pizzas (with a 10% discount for swimmers showing their race medal)

Fratelli’s Café is open from 0730am and is situated on Western Gateway just beyond the Emirates Airline terminal.

Tesco Express is next door to Fratelli’s and is open from 0700am

Volunteers

These events can only be run with the enthusiastic help of volunteers.

Would you like to be part of the kayak team, or help at registration on dry land etc?

If you would like to register your interest in helping out in the Dock2Dock race, please contact [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to purchase a NOWCA safety wristband on the day of the Dock2Dock swim?

No, this must be done beforehand. If you do not already have a valid wristband, you can sign up here: https://kscan.co/customer/register?org=nowca, no later than the 9th of September 2020.

Can I collect my tow float on the morning of the Dock2Dock swim?

Yes, training with the tow float before the race is recommended and London based swimmers will be able to collect their purchased tow floats at the Love Open Water London Royal Docks during regular swim sessions. That being said, if you are unable to collect the float prior to race day, they will be available for collection on race morning.

Will there be a bag drop at the Dock2Dock swim?

Yes, there will be a bag drop available, as well as a nutrition bag drop to be taken to the feed stations.

Have a question? Get answers from our team.

Dock2Dock Swim reviews (4)

S

Shirley S
Did the 1.5K in 2019
I had a great swim and everyone was friendly and talked to me. The swimming was lovely and wish I could go a longer distance.. great surroundings and a very happy day.. Would like to do it again...
check out my website..
http://coldselkie.com
L

LM
Did the 1.5K in 2019
Absolutely shocking organisation... ran late by an hour, changed the course just before we got in the water without informing the staff and no decent explanation of the course...
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Switch S 1 review
Did the 1.5K in 2019
The event was a great time and was well organised. The markers in the water worked well and were encouraging to me on the long swim. The water was perfect for not having a wetsuit on.
See my website.
http:// coldselkie.com
Shirley Sides
P

Paul B 1 review
Did the 5K in 2018
Iconic Event, great challenging swim, especially if there is a bit of wind. Super clean water and a great spirit.