Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim
Swim the full 9km length of Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin – solo or in a relay team of 4
About the event
The construction of Lake Burley Griffin transformed a sheep run into a graceful modern city: Canberra's aesthetic, geographic and architectural heart.
From end to end, the lake presents pristine natural beauty, a playground for recreational enjoyment and competitive sports, and a grand arena for the display of national monuments, symbols and icons. Government House, Parliament House (old and new), the National Museum, National Library, National Gallery and High Court grace its shores with natural reserves, manicured parklands, beaches and civic promenades.
Named after the city's chief architect, Walter Burley Griffin, the lake was completed in 1964. 50 years may be middle-aged in human terms: yet this is one of the youngest lakes in the world!
Tackle the entire length of the lake as a major athletic goal; or join with friends to complete the journey in relay.
Distance
9 km
Start time
- 0745 solos + >50 teams
- 0800 relay teams
Cost
- Solo $70 earlybird; $90 from 27 October, 5pm
- Relay team $90 earlybird; $120 from 27 October, 5pm
- Add $10 one race licence fee for non-TA members
Contact
Prachar Stegemann

Award categories
- (all solo awards are presented for 'no wetsuit' and 'wetsuit' categories)
- 1st to 7th Male and Female Under 50
- 1st to 3rd Male and Female 50-59
- 1st and 2nd Male and Female 60-69
- 1st Male and Female 70 and Over
- 1st All-Male; All-Female and Mixed Relay Teams
Course maps
Check the full course and the courses for each individual leg of the Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim on the following satellite maps.
We are most grateful to Steve Barry for loading and providing links to these satellite images. The maps show precise distances and can be navigated at will.
Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim (full course) (link is external)
Leg 1: Scrivener Point to Weston Park (west beach) (link is external)
Leg 2: Weston Park (west beach) to Yarralumla Bay (link is external)
Leg 3: Yarralumla Bay to Commonwealth Place forecourt (link is external)
Leg 4: Commonwealth Place forecourt to Grevillea Park beach (link is external)
Download the full course map in PDF form for printing.
Race Information
- For solo swimmers
- For relay teams
- Participant waivers
- Water temp & wetsuits
- Transitions
- Registration & start
- Course marking
- Safety & emergency
- Cut-off times
- Finish, awards & results
- Withdrawals & refunds
- Contingency plans
- Course records
Solo Swimmers
Solo swimmers must follow the same course as the relay teams, and have their number recorded at each transition point. Swimmers may take rest at any transition point, remembering that the clock does not stop.
Helpers
Each solo swimmer must provide his or her own helper, who will accompany the swimmer in their own craft - either kayak, canoe or water ski. Each helper may only be responsible for one swimmer. Helpers will be issued with a chest number to be worn throughout the race. Swimmers may take food and drink from their helper, but are not permitted to touch their helper or any craft while in the water. Except while serving food or drink, the helper must stay 3 metres clear of their swimmer, and must give way to overtaking swimmers and craft at all times. It is the helper's responsibility to ensure the timers record their swimmer's number at each transition. Helpers must not interfere with or obstruct the progress of any other swimmer. To do so will incur the disqualification of the helper's swimmer, even if he or she plays no part in such interference.
Wetsuits and Non-Wetsuit Competitors
Main awards will be for solo swimmers not wearing wetsuits, though all solo swimmers completing the course will receive a finisher's award, whether wearing a wetsuit or not. Please notify with entry if you intend swimming without a wetsuit.
Criteria for Entry
All solo swimmers must include with entry a detailed athletic history, including results of previous competitive and endurance swims.
Relay Team Legs
There are 4 legs, as follows:
Leg 1 Scrivener Dam boom to Weston Park west beach, 1.8 km
Leg 2 Weston Park west beach to Yarralumla Bay swimming area, 2.5 km
Leg 3 Yarralumla Bay swimming area to Commonwealth Place, 2.9 km
Leg 4 Commonwealth Place to Grevillea Park beach, 1.8 km
Relay Team Categories
Categories for teams are:
all-male (M),
all-female (F),
mixed (X).
Age Restrictions
Minimum age for Relay Team members is 14 years. All Relay Team members under 18 years of age will be accepted to compete only if entry form is accompanied by a letter of permission from a parent or guardian. If entering online, the permission letter(s) must be mailed or faxed to the organisers.
Composition of Relay Teams
Relay Teams may include 2, 3 or 4 members. Each team member must swim one or more complete legs. Each leg must be swum by one team member only, and cannot be sub-divided between team members. One individual may swim separate legs for different teams, as long as these legs are not consecutive.
Team Replacements
Replacement of team members is allowed, provided the replacement does not alter the category of the team. Replacement members must sign the official waiver form at Registration. Also at Registration, names are to be confirmed for each member doing each leg. Changes to this schedule are permitted on the day, provided transition marshals are informed of the change in advance of the leg concerned.
Accompaniment of Team Members
Relay Teams may only accompany their swimmers in any craft, by prior agreement with the organisers.
All competitors who have entered or have been entered into this event online, whether as solo swimmers or relay team members, as well as all replacement team members, must sign the participant waiver before commencing their respective leg or legs of the race. Copies of the waiver will be available at each transition point.
Any competitor who commences a leg without first signing the participant waiver is subject to immediate and automatic disqualification, and is no longer deemed a participant in the event.
Water Temperature
Average temperature in Lake Burley Griffin at this time of year is 17C - 21C, though water temperature can vary markedly from one part of the lake to another.
Wetsuits
Wetsuits of no more than 5 mm thickness are allowed for both solo swimmers and relay team members. There will be a separate category for solo swimmers not wearing wetsuits, though no disctinction will be made in the relay teams divisions between wetsuit or non-wetsuit wearers.
Swim Caps
Swim caps will be issued at Registration,and must be worn throughout the race.
Transition Points
Start (start of leg 1): Scrivener Dam boom, off Scrivener Point
First Transition (start of leg 2): Weston Park west beach
Second Transition (start of leg 3): Yarralumla Bay swimming area beach
Third Transition (start of leg 4): Commonwealth Place Forecourt
Finish: Grevillea Park beach
Transition Procedure - Solo Swimmers
Solo swimmers must come to within 5 metres of shore at each transition point, close enough to stand up and have their race number recorded. If instructed to do so, solo swimmers must come ashore and have their condition monitored by medical staff. Swimmers must comply with the instructions of medical staff, including any directive to take rest, receive treatment or withdraw from the race. Failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification.
Transition Procedure - Teams
Team members must report to the timing crew to have their name and number recorded, sign the participant waiver, have their number written on and swim cap issued, no less than 15 minutes prior to expected departure. Swimmers may NOT write their own number on themselves! The swimmer exiting the water must come through the chute and have his or her number and time recorded and be cleared by the timing crew, before 'tagging' the next team swimmer in the transition compound, who is then free to depart.
Aid Stations
There will be aid station supplies at each transition point. These will include water, sports drink, First Aid kit, vaseline, sunscreen (all available to swimmers only). Hot soup will be served for all swimmers and official helpers at the finish.
Driving Directions to Transition Points
Start, Scrivener Point. Scrivener Point is off Lady Denman Dr, just to the north of Scrivener Dam. Access to Lady Denman Dr is from Parkes Way or Tuggeranong Parkway coming from the north, or from Cotter Rd coming from the south. Please note that Scrivener Point is a drop-off only area. There is NO PARKING at Scrivener Point or along Lady Denman Dr. Parking is in the car park off Lady Denman Dr just to the south of Scrivener Dam. Please allow 7 - 10 minutes to walk to the start.
Transition 1 - Weston Park west beach. From Scrivener Dam, follow Lady Denman Dr south. Turn left on Cotter Rd, then left again into Dudley St (the first set of traffic lights). Turn left at the roundabout into Novar St, then left again at the next roundabout into Bentham St, at the Yarralumla shops. Turn right into Banks St. Follow Banks St all the way until it becomes Weston Park Rd and enters Weston Park. Turn left into Prescott Lane and park in the car park near the end of Prescott Lane.
Transition 2 - Yarralumla Bay swimming area. From Transition 1, follow Prescott Lane back to Weston Park Rd. Turn right on Weston Park Rd (which becomes Banks St), then left into Brown St, which becomes Alexandrina Dr. Turn left into the gravel car park immediately after the intersection with Hopetoun Circuit.
Transition 3 - Commonwealth Place Forecourt. From Transition 2, follow Alexandrina Dr eastward. Turn left at the roundabout into Flynn Dr, passing under Commonwealth Ave bridge. Turn left at the traffic lights into King Edward Terrace, then left again into Parkes Place. Park in the car park on the right, off Parkes Place.
Finish - Grevillea Park. From Transition 3, return on Parkes Pl to King Edward Terrace, turning left onto King Edward Terrace. Turn left again onto Kings Ave and cross the bridge. Go around the large roundabout to turn right onto Morshead Dr. Turn right at the next roundabout into Menindee Dr, and park in the car park in Grevillea Park.
Registration and Start Procedures
Team Changes
If necessary, changes to team membership or swimming order can be made at Registration prior to the race start. It is preferable however, to please advise us of any changes before the close of entries.
Registration
Compulsory Registration for all Solo Swimmers, their helpers and Leg 1 Relay Team members will take place from 7 am at Scrivener Point (off Lady Denman Dr just to the north of Scrivener Dam).
Registration closes at 7.30 am for Solo Swimmers and their helpers, and at 7.40 am for Teams.
Relay team members for legs 2, 3 and 4 will register at their respective transition point, at least 15 minutes prior to their anticipated departure.
Please note there is very limited at Scrivener Point, or along Lady Denman Drive. Park in the car park on the southern side of Scrivener Dam and walk to Scrivener Point, about 700 metres - allow 7 to 10 minutes for the walk.
All Solo Swimmers and their helpers must attend Registration. Only the first Relay Team swimmer need attend, along with any replacement team members.
Race numbers will be written on the backs of swimmers' hands. Helpers' race numbers and packs will be issued, along with last-minute event information.
Pre-Race Briefing
A pre-race briefing will be given 5 minutes prior to each wave start at Scrivener Point (off Lady Denman Dr to the north of Scrivener Dam).
Parking
There is limited parking at the start. Additional parking is available in the car park on the southern side of Scrivener Dam, 700 metres from the start. Please do not park at the National Aquarium.
Start Times and Procedure
The race will start in waves in deep water from the boom off Scrivener Point. Swimmers may position themselves anywhere along the boom, and must be holding the boom with one hand at the start.
Solo Swimmers will start at 7.45 am.
Relay Teams commence from 8 am.
The course will be marked by swim buoys.
All swimmers must follow the course as set on the day. All swimmers must swim to within 2 metres of every designated swim buoy on the course. It is the swimmer's choice whether to pass to the left or right of each swim buoy.
Solo swimmers must come to within 3 metres of the shore at each transition point to have their number recorded.
Safety and Emergency Procedures
The race will be patrolled by 3 boats and a flotilla of canoes and kayaks for directional assistance and safety alert.
Sports Medicine Australia personnel will be in attendance at each transition point and at the finish.
Swimmers finding themselves in any difficulty should immediately signal the nearest craft for assistance. Provided they are not propelled in a forward direction, swimmers may rest on a safety craft indefinitely. Swimmers must obey all directions from race officials at all times. Race officials have the right to withdraw any swimmer from the event at any time.
Cut-Off Times and Procedures
The following cut-off times appear in 24-hour clock time according to Eastern Daylight Savings Time, asssuming that the solo swimmers commence at 0745:
Leg 1 - 0850
Leg 2 - 1010
Leg 3 - 1120
Finish - 1230
In the event that a solo swimmer has not reached a transition point by the cut-off time, he or she will automatically be withdrawn from the race.
In the event that a relay team member does not reach a transition by the cut-off time, his or her team may continue, commencing the next leg at the cut-off time, and will be ineligible for any awards.
Race Finish
The race finish is on the beach at Grevillea Park.
Awards
The Awards Ceremony will be held in Grevillea Park at or about 11.30 am.
Special awards will be presented to all Solo Swimmers. Awards will be presented to the first placed team in each of the all-male, all-female and mixed teams divisions.
Race Results
Full race results, including split times for each leg for both solo swimmers and relay teams, will be posted on this website as soon as practicable after the event, along with a race report and photo gallery.
Refunds (minus $10 administration fee) will be made if signed advice of withdrawal is received in writing no later than 5 pm on Monday prior to race day.
Inland water bodies are occasionally affected by various natural phenomena such as blue-green algae or bacteria. All areas of Lake Burley Griffin are tested regularly and rigorously, and are subject to closure by the National Capital Authority if the levels of any potentially harmful organisms rise above certain standard measures.
In the event that swimming is prohibited in some part of the lake on the day of the race, an alternate course will be advised. In the event that swimming is prohibited in most or all of Lake Burley Griffin, the race will take place in another of Canberra's lakes, either Lake Ginninderra (pictured) or Lake Tuggeranong. In this instance, the distance of the course and the distance of each relay leg may vary from that advertised. Advice of such changes will be posted on the event website at the earliest opportunity.
In the event that swimming is prohibited in all of Canberra's lakes on the advertised race date, the race will be postponed to a later date. If the race is postponed due to lake closure, entrants may elect to transfer their entry to the revised date or place their entry on hold. Entries 'on hold' will be valid until used once for the same event within 3 years successive to the originally advertised date of the race.
Solo Swimmers sans Wetsuit
Male Under 50 - 1:53:44, Benjamin Freeman, 2014
Male 50 - 59 - 2:09:06, John Fox, 2014
Male 60 - 69 - 2:32:57, Jeff Banks, 2008
Male 70 and Over - 3:15:35, Tim Mather, 2015
Female Under 50 – 1:55:27, Jessica Traficante, 2013
Female 50 - 59 - 2:38:16, Jo-Anne Danne, 2008
Female 60 - 69 - 3:08:36, Janet Gorst, 2014
Leg | Record Holder-Male | Time | Year | Record Holder-Female | Time | Year |
1 | Benjamin Freeman | 19:24 | 2015 | Jessica Traficante | 19:27 | 2013 |
2 | Benjamin Freeman | 33:05 | 2014 | Shanyn Sparreboom | 32:55 | 2006 |
3 | Benjamin Freeman | 38:56 | 2015 | Jessica Traficante | 38:19 | 2013 |
4 | Benjamin Freeman | 20:51 | 2014 | Jessica Traficante | 21:48 | 2011 |
Solo Swimmers with Wetsuit
Male Under 50 - 1:50:04, Oliver Bourne, 2014
Male 50 - 59 - 2:28:05, Stephen Meredith, 2004
Male 60 - 69 - 2:43:27, Stephen Meredith, 2011
Male 70+ - 2:50:26, Geoff Llewellyn, 2009
Male 80+ - 3:06:04, Geoff Llewellyn, 2013
Female Under 50 - 2:12:39, Alanna Hale, 2005
Female 50 - 59 - 2:40:29, Jannion De Tomasso, 2014
Female 60 - 69 - 2:37:11, Jannion De Tomasso, 2015
Leg | Record Holder-Male | Time | Year | Record Holder-Female | Time | Year |
1 | Oliver Bourne | 19:23 | 2014 | Alanna Hale | 25:50 | 2004 |
2 | Oliver Bourne | 32:02 | 2014 | Alanna Hale | 36:28 | 2005 |
3 | Warren Keegan | 38:00 | 2013 | Alanna Hale | 41:30 | 2005 |
4 | Oliver Bourne | 19:55 | 2010 | Bonnie Frankcom | 27:24 | 2009 |
Relay Teams
Overall Time
Category | Time | Name | Year |
All-Male Team | 2:05:20 | Dickson Old Timers | 2006 |
All-Male Team Over 50 | 2:31:48 | Rod and Reel (Andrew Dawes, Rodney Smith) | 2016 |
All-Male Team Over 60 | 2:48:33 | The Old Guys (Alex Gosman, Terry Dixon) | 2016 |
All-Female Team | 2:09:55 | Terry Told Us | 2004 |
All-Female Team Over 60 | 4:22:32 | S.A.S.S.Y (Deborah Johns, Helen Rubin) | 2016 |
Mixed Team | 1:55:54 | GLAN | 2014 |
Fastest Splits for Relay Swimmers
Leg | Record Holder-Male | Time | Year | Record Holder-Female | Time | Year |
1 | Adam Rudgley | 21:04 | 2014 | Nicolee Martin | 24:23 | 2015 |
2 | Mitchell Nemec | 32:29 | 2008 | Jessica Traficante | 34:04 | 2009 |
3 | Lars Miller | 38:00 | 2004 | Jessica Traficante | 38:34 | 2008 |
4 | John Fleming | 22:41 | 2006 | Grace Hoitink | 21:57 | 2014 |





