Start the new year off right with the 2026 GMCF 1-Hour Swim Challenge in January! This event challenges you to answer one question: how far can you swim in 60 minutes?
There are two divisions for entry: Official and Unofficial.
The Official division is for competitors 18 and older looking to have their laps counted for them with split times recorded, and/or to enter the USMS 1-Hour Virtual Championship. Official competitors will have priority lane assignments and dedicated lap counters who will record your splits for the official time sheet, which you can submit to the national competition. This will allow you to see where you stack up against Masters swimmers across the country. For official rules, visit https://www.usms.org/events/national-championships/virtual-championships/2026-virtual-championships/2026-1-hour-virtual-championship
The Unofficial division is for competitors who are up for the 1-hour challenge on their own! Take it at your own pace, and see what you can do! The Unofficial division will have no lap counting assistance and will self-report their distance. Swimmers 12 and older may enter (under 18 requires parental/guardian consent).
Every competitor will receive a special event swim cap and be listed on the tabulated results after the event.
Whether you are looking to set a record or simply tackle a goal to start the year, every swimmer can participate!
Date: January 31, 2026
All participants must register to secure a competition slot for the event. There are multiple start times available. Official Division entrants may wish to also register for the national event through USMS.
There will be a 15 minute warmup period before each hour block of the competition.
Registered members of the GMCF Workout Group under US Masters Swimming will receive 50% off entry. Members of GMCF ENDURANCE also receive 50% off entry.
These swimmers must be a 2026 U.S. Masters Swimming member or GMCF ENDURANCE Team member prior to registering for the official event. Contact Steve ([email protected]) for more information about registering with USMS or GMCF ENDURANCE.
