About event
The iconic race is back on Saturday 27th June 2026!
Run by Kate and Ivan Burton from Open Water Devon. Burgh Island provides the stunning backdrop for this exhilarating race. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a novice participant, this event caters to all skill levels, offering a range of race categories to choose from, 8 years old and up. But it's not just about the race - we're hoping to raise money for some fantastic charities. Join us for a memorable day of sportsmanship, community, and mindful environmental practices at the Burgh Island Race.
We have a new addition to the 2026 race - you can choose between a 1 mile (1 lap) or 2 mile (2 laps) swim - the cut off is the same for both swims (around 2 hours).
If you are an Adaptive or Disabled swimmer, and would like to enter this event then please do get in touch. We are very happy to help make accommodations, and help where we can. The Swim Safe Projects can help with potential adaptations we can offer. The main barrier at this race is physical access, the slipway is steep, and slippy. The access to the Island can also be troublesome, the tactor has very steep steps onto and off. Please do get in touch, we would love to help make this event accessible for you!
​
How does the event run?
You can register on the Island in front of the Pilchard Pub from 12.30pm (collect your hat, chip timer, and merchandise if purchased).
You'll need to be on the Island ready to swim at least 10 mins before your race starts. We start from the slipway on the island, you can swim across, get the tractor, or paddle/kayak across, and find registration outside the pub to the right. There maybe queues for the tractor, please leave enough time!
The Nippers and Youth race is from the slipway, towards the Murray Rocks and back in a triangle.
The Adult Swimmers will be setting off next, everyone will wade into the water, and set off as a mass start once the whistle goes.
If you are not keen on the mass start, then you can hang back and start in your own time.
The Pilchard Inn are putting on a BBQ for lunch, with quality burgers and hotdogs, so stick around and enjoy your post race dinner!
Day Schedule
Reg Opens: 12.30pm
Youth Race (400m): 2.30pm
Nippers Race (200m): 2.30pm
Kids Prize Giving - 3pm
Charity 1 Mile Swim:4pm
Charity 2 Mile Swim: 4pm
1 Mile: 4pm
2 Mile: 4pm
Adult 1 Mile Prize Giving - 4.45pm
Adult 2 Mile Prize Giving - 5.30pm
Course Sweep: 6pm (ish)
Sundown: 9.30pm
​​
If the race is cancelled due to bad weather etc, everyone will be automatically moved onto our back up date which is on Saturday 4th July, same timings as above (starting at 1pm).
Please see the FAQ's here for lots of info
​
.png)
Who runs The Burgh Island Race
Run by Kate and Ivan from Open Water Devon, both experienced sea swimmers, open water coaches and water enthusiasts are bringing the iconic race back to South Devon!
​
Ivan holds a Surf Science and Tech BSc 1st Class Honors, and is a Senior Lifeguard trainer/assessor with the RNLI. He has grown up swimming in lakes and rivers in Wales, before travelling the world following the waves, and settling in Devon.
Kate has taught outdoor education for 15 years, and holds the SLSGB Beach Lifeguard, BC White Water Level 3 training, 4* Sea and White Water leader, White Water Safety and Rescue, and Powerboating Level 2. She's Devon born and bred, and loves any aquatic adventure!
​