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Sports

Distance Swim to Benefit Friends of the Temescal Pool

The OptimisSport Swim Challenge on Sunday will offer races for all levels and a chance to have fun while raising money for charities that promote healthy lifestyles.

The OptimisSport Distance Swim Challenge, which aims to raise awareness about drowning prevention and swimming to stay fit, hits the water Sunday. Among the charities to benefit from the swim is Pacific Palisades-based , a group working to reopen the facility in Temescal Gateway Park. The pool closed for repairs in 2008 and hasn't been open since.

“We’re working with them to help them raise awareness to bring back the pool and they’re helping us with volunteers,” said Jessica Eastman of OptimisSport, who had the opportunity to swim in the pool once before it closed. "There are definitely some spots still open for people that are interested."

The event, which is in its second year, features several starting points between Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach. About 350 people are signed up so far, compared with 230 last year, and Eastman expects that number to rise to nearly 400. Groups like Friends of the Temescal Pool are hoping swimmers will dive in on the action and have fun while they're helping communities stay fit.

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“I see how crowded the high school pool is with all of the swimmers and I can tell [Pacific Palisades] definitely needs two pools,” Eastman said.

“This is an event that gives to a lot of different charities and we’re one of the charities,” said Illene Cassidy of Friends of the Temescal Pool. “The importance of this event is getting kids out and into the water and involved.”

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A lot of the swimmers and organizers involved with the Challenge can trace their roots back to the Temescal Pool, said Cassidy. In fact, Eastman said Optimus Sport CEO Alan Morelli trained at the Temescal Pool for 15 years.

“It’s about community," said Eastman. “It’s a place where people went and gathered and met friends.”

The Swim Challenge will also benefit Exceeding Expectations, a nonprofit organization in the San Bernardino School District that works to instill positivity in at-risk kids by training for a triathlon. Another beneficiary, Splashball, is an organization that teaches kids how to play water polo, while motivating them to stay fit.

Also on hand Sunday will be Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL Pro-Bowler and current host of the Max and Marcellus show on ESPN-LA 710. Wiley helped bring awareness to the event last year by learning how to swim in just eight weeks before competing in the 1.2 mile race.

“Especially here in LA when we’re right next to the water, you never know when you’re going to need to [swim],” Eastman said.

With six races ranging in distance from 1.2 to 12.6 miles, including two relays, the event is designed for swimmers of all levels. There will also be a Fun Splash and a 500-meter Fun Swim for participants seeking more lighthearted competition.

Registration Information

  • Registration fees vary based on distance and date the swimmer registers.
  • There are student registration rates.
  • Online registration is available through 4 p.m. on Friday.
  • All proceeds go to local charities advocating healthy lifestyles.

Race Day Schedule

Note that times are subject to change.

12.6-Mile and 4.8-Mile Individual and Relays

  • Start time: 6:30 a.m.

2.4-mile Swim

  • Start time: 7 a.m.

1.2-mile Swim

  • Start time: 8:30 a.m.

Fun Swim Information

Fun Splash

  • Registration fee: $5
  • Kids 12 and under
  • Start time: 9:15 a.m.

500-Meter Fun Swim

  • Registration Fee: Under 18 years old, $5. 18 and over, $10.
  • Start time: 9:15 a.m.

Helpful Links

  • For the OptimisSport Distance Swim Challenge website, click here.
  • To register for the Distance Swim Challenge online, click here.
  • For information about Friends of the Temescal Pool, click here.
  • For information about Exceeding Expectations, click here.
  • For information about Splashball, click here.
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