The SavageMan Half Swim Course - Deep Creek Lake
The SavageMan Triathlon swim takes place in the clear, calm and clean waters of Maryland's largest inland water body, Deep Creek Lake.
Athletes enter and exit the lake in Deep Creek Lake State Park via the side-by-side boat ramps. The swim is an in-water wave start and the waves and times will be announced prior to race weekend. The swim is a 1.2 mile rectangular out-and-back course that runs parallel to the shore about 25 yards from land. Swimmers start at the main boat ramp and swim nearly all the length of the State Park shoreline before turning around and returning to the boat ramp exit. This provides a rare occurrence in triathlon allowing easy access for spectators to watch the progression of the swim and even walk along the lake shore to easily follow their athlete.
The water temperature cools rapidly in mid-September and can be expected to be in the 66-70 degree range. Wetsuits are allowed and encouraged. Although no prevailing current exists in the lake, breezes can cause slight chop in the water, but will very likely be minimal at race time. The Maryland Natural Resources Police, and lifeguards and race personnel in kayaks, will maintain a perimeter of supervision, guidance, and safety for race participants.
Upon exiting the swim, athletes will cross a timing mat and run up the boat ramp to the bike corral transition area. Volunteers will provide athletes with water and encouraging words to propel athletes onto the SavageMan bike course.
**Important Note to All Athletes Training at Deep Creek Lake State Park:
Deep Creek Lake State Park has a beach and designated swimming area and all swimming at the State Park is limited to that designated area until after Labor Day, September 1, 2008. This is for your safety as the State Park and the SavageMan swim course are on a busy part of the lake with heavy boat traffic using the park's public boat ramps. Please respect these State Park rules and do not attempt to swim the SavageMan swim course until after Labor Day.
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