2020 Cap 2k has been cancelled.
Dear Swim Friends,
It is with much regret that we report the 2020 Cap 2k cancelled along with the closure and strict shut-down measures of all parks, pools, venues & gatherings in the City of Austin. Even as we become more hopeful of the physical distancing mandate being lifted, it is obvious that it will not be in time for this year’s Cap 2k.
Please know that our family highly respects the “swim under any condition” attitude of most open water swimmers. In fact, we celebrate it every time we join you in the face of environmental challenges — and, that’s been quite a number of times over the last 2 decades of events. Your enjoyment of the challenge has been a huge factor in our continuing to host our open water events! Many thanks for this.
Many of you who have swum the Cap 2k, Lake Travis Relay, or Highland Lakes Challenge and have done so rain-or-shine, a few times in swift waters, sometimes enduring extremely cold waters or, on rare occasion, in edge-of-hurricane winds, know that our mode is to "find a way.” We strive to provide challenging (and, thus fun) swimming opportunities for our race participants. It saddens us greatly and is unfortunate, but this is one challenge we just cannot surmount by event day.
We remain optimistic that we all will have a window provided sometime this summer in which we can again happily immerse ourselves in the gentle (or not so gentle sometimes!) flow of the medium we so love — as well as to share the fellowship aquatic endeavors provide.
We very much appreciate the support you’ve shown and the words of encouragement as we’ve worked to figure this out. Wishing safety & health to you and your families in this unprecedented time.
Respectfully,
Sandy Neilson-Bell, Event Coordinator
Dr. Keith Bell, Event Director
Dear Swim Friends,
It is with much regret that we report the 2020 Cap 2k cancelled along with the closure and strict shut-down measures of all parks, pools, venues & gatherings in the City of Austin. Even as we become more hopeful of the physical distancing mandate being lifted, it is obvious that it will not be in time for this year’s Cap 2k.
Please know that our family highly respects the “swim under any condition” attitude of most open water swimmers. In fact, we celebrate it every time we join you in the face of environmental challenges — and, that’s been quite a number of times over the last 2 decades of events. Your enjoyment of the challenge has been a huge factor in our continuing to host our open water events! Many thanks for this.
Many of you who have swum the Cap 2k, Lake Travis Relay, or Highland Lakes Challenge and have done so rain-or-shine, a few times in swift waters, sometimes enduring extremely cold waters or, on rare occasion, in edge-of-hurricane winds, know that our mode is to "find a way.” We strive to provide challenging (and, thus fun) swimming opportunities for our race participants. It saddens us greatly and is unfortunate, but this is one challenge we just cannot surmount by event day.
We remain optimistic that we all will have a window provided sometime this summer in which we can again happily immerse ourselves in the gentle (or not so gentle sometimes!) flow of the medium we so love — as well as to share the fellowship aquatic endeavors provide.
We very much appreciate the support you’ve shown and the words of encouragement as we’ve worked to figure this out. Wishing safety & health to you and your families in this unprecedented time.
Respectfully,
Sandy Neilson-Bell, Event Coordinator
Dr. Keith Bell, Event Director
Welcome to the 18th Annual Cap 2k Open Water Swim
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020
SAFETY — Safety is our prime consideration. While there is not a qualifying standard for this event, you should have previously completed a mile swim in 40 minutes or faster. You should be healthy and in reasonably fit swimming shape. The Cap 2k is not the time to test your open water swimming skills. If you have any doubts about your ability to complete the swim in a reasonable amount of time, you should not participate. There will be a 1-hour time limit for the swim at which time Austin Police Department, along with our on-water safety crew, will act to clear the course.
PACKET PICK-UP at Swim Freak — Friday (4/24) — 11:00a - 6:00p / Saturday (4/25) — 10:00a - 3:00p
All swimmers residing within 30 miles of Austin are required to go to packet-pickup. Please show picture ID. Arrangements will be made for swimmers residing more than 30 miles from Austin.
Brodie Oaks Center
4032 S. Lamar Blvd. #500
Austin, TX 78704
START-SITE PARKING —There is no parking, or swimmer drop off at Red Bud Isle. Red Bud is reserved for emergency vehicles and race crew only. The LCRA lot (across from Hula Hut at 3700 Lake Austin Blvd.) is available for parking. Red Bud is a short walk from the LCRA lot.
FINISH-SITE PARKING — Deep Eddy Pool parking lot (near Eiler's Park) will have very limited parking availability. It is suggested that you find parking in the South Shore of Lady Bird Lake just across from Texas Rowing Center under the Mopac bridge. This lot is accessible via Zilker Park. There is also limited curb parking on Stephen F. Austin Blvd. near Austin H.S. Note: there is no parking in the Austin High School lot.
CHECK-IN — Mandatory check-in will be held in the clearing at the entrance to Red Bud. Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. and closes at 8:45 a.m. (sharp). Keep in mind the walk time from where you park to check-in. Your race number will be marked on your arms after you check-in. Wetsuit swimmers will be marked on the arms and/or neck and on the race cap (which must be worn during the race). You will receive a race swim cap and a Race I.D. Card at check-in (see below).
SWIM CAPS — There is an official race cap. You will receive it at check-in. Caps will be color coded to help identify your race division and to ensure proper recording of your finish time and place. For safety reasons, wear the issued cap. If you wear any cap other than the 2020 Cap 2k cap you were issued, you will be disqualified. Please have your cap on or handy when you enter the dock finish-area as it will be checked.
RACE ID CARD — At check-in you will receive your participant race ID card and your race cap. Your participant race card will be required for entry into the water. Be sure to hang onto this card and give it to the entry monitor as you enter the dock.
MANDATORY RACE BRIEFING — At 8:50 there will be a MANDATORY general briefing at the check-in area. You will have plenty of time to make the start from the briefing.
OPTING OUT — IF, for some reason, you opt out of the race at any time after checking in you must let us know. If you cannot physically find our race coordinator then text her: Sandy @ 512-327-0955 to let her know you're not in the water.
START AREA — The start area is a 5-7 min walk from the briefing area. There will be plenty of time to get there after the briefing.
POISON IVY — Beware of poison oak/ivy in the wooded areas and on dogs or others who go through the wooded areas.
WATER ENTRY — FEET FIRST ENTRY ONLY. Enter water only from the end of the dock area.
RULES FOR THE CAP 2K — Please read the ASA Open Water Rules found on the rules page of the AmericanSwimmingAssociation.com. You are responsible for knowing the rules and conducting yourself in accordance to these rules. You must remain behind the start buoys until the command for the start is sounded.
SUIT . . . GOGGLES . . . CAP
Please note that you may not use any artificial aids (wristwatches, heart monitors, tech suits, triathlon suits, snorkels, fins, flotation devices, motorboats, gummy bears, etc.) or carry any other objects or types of devices onto the dock or into the water. Please leave at home these extra items. When you go in the water it should be with suit, cap, and goggles only.
SAFETY STATIONS — Kayakers, lifeguards, and any other safety stations are there to observe the race and help with safety needs, they are not “resting” spots. Making contact with any safety craft constitutes a disqualification and you will be pulled from the swim. If you are truly in need of help during the race please wave your arm above your head and a lifeguard will approach to offer help.
COSTUME — (Wetsuit division excepted) A swimmer may wear only one suit and only one cap (issued race cap). See FAQ's re: "tech suits."
Suit Rule — No tech suits. A swimmer may wear only one suit. Swimsuits shall not cover a man's body higher than the top of the pelvic bone or the belly button and shall not cover any part of the body below the top of the knee. Swimsuits shall not cover a woman's body outside the shoulder-joints or above the shoulder-line and shall not cover the any part of the body below mid-thigh. The material of suits may consist only of cotton, Lycra, nylon, polyester, and spandex. Any swimmer wishing to compete in a suit constructed of other materials must apply to ASA for permission in writing. If you have any questions about the suit rule please contact: Dr. Keith Bell, Race Director at 512-327-2260. If your suit does not comply you should be placed in the wetsuit category.
CLOTHES CHECK & TRANSPORT — Your clothes will be transported from start to finish. At check in you will get a dock ID card with your name on one side. A “clothes bag” label will be on the other side. We will give you a white trash bag onto which you stick your label & into which you stow your gear.
Please leave any valuables at home or elsewhere. Remember: no watches, heart monitors, etc. See “Rules for the Cap 2k” above. We will not be responsible for any lost items.
RACE START / WARM-UP SWIM OR SHUTTLE — The race will start at 10:00. It is approximately 350-400 meters from Red Bud Isle entry dock to the starting buoys. You may swim to start to warm-up or take the Capital Cruise shuttle. We encourage slower paced swimmers to take advantage of the pontoon shuttle for better race start timing and those with the stamina to use the distance as a warm-up. We will not be able to hold the start for stragglers.
FEET FIRST ENTRY — For your safety, and the safety of others, again: NO DIVING ALLOWED. After turning in your card to dock monitor, proceed to end of dock and enter water FEET FIRST.
THE COURSE — The race will start from behind (upstream of) the starting buoys with an air horn. Lifeguards and safety crew will be in kayaks positioned along the sides of the course for safety. The race is a straightaway course down Lady Bird Lake. You must swim under the Mopac Bridge between the support columns on the right-most (south) side of the river. The river toward the left bank is shallow and not safe for swimming.
As you come out from under the Mopac Pedestrian Bridge (located under the Mopac / Loop 1 overpass) look for the finish chute and two finish buoys located at the Texas Rowing Center dock ahead to the left (on the north shore). Swim through the two large buoys. A swimmer will be considered to have completed the course when he crosses the invisible line between these two buoys.
FINISH STICK — You will receive a “finish stick” when you swim through the finish buoys and get to the dock. Please assist our finish helpers by keeping in the order of your finish — both in the water and on the dock while our dock helpers record your stick & swimmer numbers. Keep your stick. It is your picnic lunch ticket.
CANCELLATION POLICY — The race will go on unless it becomes clear that weather conditions, or other acts beyond our control, make proceeding with the race unsafe for participants. Please be assured that we will do everything in our power to give you the opportunity to swim. Unfortunately, should we have to cancel, we are unable to reschedule the event or to make any refunds. Thank you for your understanding.
PICNIC LUNCH — You’ve got to eat — join us at the picnic for a bit to eat and for awards. This year's picnic will be held across from the Texas Rowing Center since Eiler's Park is under construction. The menu includes a chicken & beef taco bar with sides from Maudie’s TexMex and ThunderCloud lunches. Lunch includes a Jim-Jim's Water Ice . Lunch is complimentary to participants. Remember to keep your finish stick. It’s your lunch ticket.
AWARDS — Awards will be handed out at the picnic.
VIEWING THE RACE — The Mopac pedestrian bridge is a fantastic place to view the race. There are other areas along the hike and bike trail including the little dock below Eiler’s park. There will be limited viewing from the finish dock. Please take care to keep this area clear.
FUNDRAISING — If you are not already doing so, please consider donating or making a push to spread awareness and raise funds for either Prostate Cancer support or Swim Lessons for those at risk. It's easy to set up your own page here.
QUESTIONS? Contact Race Coordinator: Sandy Neilson @ 512-327-0955
PACKET PICK-UP at Swim Freak — Friday (4/24) — 11:00a - 6:00p / Saturday (4/25) — 10:00a - 3:00p
All swimmers residing within 30 miles of Austin are required to go to packet-pickup. Please show picture ID. Arrangements will be made for swimmers residing more than 30 miles from Austin.
Brodie Oaks Center
4032 S. Lamar Blvd. #500
Austin, TX 78704
START-SITE PARKING —There is no parking, or swimmer drop off at Red Bud Isle. Red Bud is reserved for emergency vehicles and race crew only. The LCRA lot (across from Hula Hut at 3700 Lake Austin Blvd.) is available for parking. Red Bud is a short walk from the LCRA lot.
FINISH-SITE PARKING — Deep Eddy Pool parking lot (near Eiler's Park) will have very limited parking availability. It is suggested that you find parking in the South Shore of Lady Bird Lake just across from Texas Rowing Center under the Mopac bridge. This lot is accessible via Zilker Park. There is also limited curb parking on Stephen F. Austin Blvd. near Austin H.S. Note: there is no parking in the Austin High School lot.
CHECK-IN — Mandatory check-in will be held in the clearing at the entrance to Red Bud. Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. and closes at 8:45 a.m. (sharp). Keep in mind the walk time from where you park to check-in. Your race number will be marked on your arms after you check-in. Wetsuit swimmers will be marked on the arms and/or neck and on the race cap (which must be worn during the race). You will receive a race swim cap and a Race I.D. Card at check-in (see below).
SWIM CAPS — There is an official race cap. You will receive it at check-in. Caps will be color coded to help identify your race division and to ensure proper recording of your finish time and place. For safety reasons, wear the issued cap. If you wear any cap other than the 2020 Cap 2k cap you were issued, you will be disqualified. Please have your cap on or handy when you enter the dock finish-area as it will be checked.
RACE ID CARD — At check-in you will receive your participant race ID card and your race cap. Your participant race card will be required for entry into the water. Be sure to hang onto this card and give it to the entry monitor as you enter the dock.
MANDATORY RACE BRIEFING — At 8:50 there will be a MANDATORY general briefing at the check-in area. You will have plenty of time to make the start from the briefing.
OPTING OUT — IF, for some reason, you opt out of the race at any time after checking in you must let us know. If you cannot physically find our race coordinator then text her: Sandy @ 512-327-0955 to let her know you're not in the water.
START AREA — The start area is a 5-7 min walk from the briefing area. There will be plenty of time to get there after the briefing.
POISON IVY — Beware of poison oak/ivy in the wooded areas and on dogs or others who go through the wooded areas.
WATER ENTRY — FEET FIRST ENTRY ONLY. Enter water only from the end of the dock area.
RULES FOR THE CAP 2K — Please read the ASA Open Water Rules found on the rules page of the AmericanSwimmingAssociation.com. You are responsible for knowing the rules and conducting yourself in accordance to these rules. You must remain behind the start buoys until the command for the start is sounded.
SUIT . . . GOGGLES . . . CAP
Please note that you may not use any artificial aids (wristwatches, heart monitors, tech suits, triathlon suits, snorkels, fins, flotation devices, motorboats, gummy bears, etc.) or carry any other objects or types of devices onto the dock or into the water. Please leave at home these extra items. When you go in the water it should be with suit, cap, and goggles only.
SAFETY STATIONS — Kayakers, lifeguards, and any other safety stations are there to observe the race and help with safety needs, they are not “resting” spots. Making contact with any safety craft constitutes a disqualification and you will be pulled from the swim. If you are truly in need of help during the race please wave your arm above your head and a lifeguard will approach to offer help.
COSTUME — (Wetsuit division excepted) A swimmer may wear only one suit and only one cap (issued race cap). See FAQ's re: "tech suits."
Suit Rule — No tech suits. A swimmer may wear only one suit. Swimsuits shall not cover a man's body higher than the top of the pelvic bone or the belly button and shall not cover any part of the body below the top of the knee. Swimsuits shall not cover a woman's body outside the shoulder-joints or above the shoulder-line and shall not cover the any part of the body below mid-thigh. The material of suits may consist only of cotton, Lycra, nylon, polyester, and spandex. Any swimmer wishing to compete in a suit constructed of other materials must apply to ASA for permission in writing. If you have any questions about the suit rule please contact: Dr. Keith Bell, Race Director at 512-327-2260. If your suit does not comply you should be placed in the wetsuit category.
CLOTHES CHECK & TRANSPORT — Your clothes will be transported from start to finish. At check in you will get a dock ID card with your name on one side. A “clothes bag” label will be on the other side. We will give you a white trash bag onto which you stick your label & into which you stow your gear.
Please leave any valuables at home or elsewhere. Remember: no watches, heart monitors, etc. See “Rules for the Cap 2k” above. We will not be responsible for any lost items.
RACE START / WARM-UP SWIM OR SHUTTLE — The race will start at 10:00. It is approximately 350-400 meters from Red Bud Isle entry dock to the starting buoys. You may swim to start to warm-up or take the Capital Cruise shuttle. We encourage slower paced swimmers to take advantage of the pontoon shuttle for better race start timing and those with the stamina to use the distance as a warm-up. We will not be able to hold the start for stragglers.
FEET FIRST ENTRY — For your safety, and the safety of others, again: NO DIVING ALLOWED. After turning in your card to dock monitor, proceed to end of dock and enter water FEET FIRST.
THE COURSE — The race will start from behind (upstream of) the starting buoys with an air horn. Lifeguards and safety crew will be in kayaks positioned along the sides of the course for safety. The race is a straightaway course down Lady Bird Lake. You must swim under the Mopac Bridge between the support columns on the right-most (south) side of the river. The river toward the left bank is shallow and not safe for swimming.
As you come out from under the Mopac Pedestrian Bridge (located under the Mopac / Loop 1 overpass) look for the finish chute and two finish buoys located at the Texas Rowing Center dock ahead to the left (on the north shore). Swim through the two large buoys. A swimmer will be considered to have completed the course when he crosses the invisible line between these two buoys.
FINISH STICK — You will receive a “finish stick” when you swim through the finish buoys and get to the dock. Please assist our finish helpers by keeping in the order of your finish — both in the water and on the dock while our dock helpers record your stick & swimmer numbers. Keep your stick. It is your picnic lunch ticket.
CANCELLATION POLICY — The race will go on unless it becomes clear that weather conditions, or other acts beyond our control, make proceeding with the race unsafe for participants. Please be assured that we will do everything in our power to give you the opportunity to swim. Unfortunately, should we have to cancel, we are unable to reschedule the event or to make any refunds. Thank you for your understanding.
PICNIC LUNCH — You’ve got to eat — join us at the picnic for a bit to eat and for awards. This year's picnic will be held across from the Texas Rowing Center since Eiler's Park is under construction. The menu includes a chicken & beef taco bar with sides from Maudie’s TexMex and ThunderCloud lunches. Lunch includes a Jim-Jim's Water Ice . Lunch is complimentary to participants. Remember to keep your finish stick. It’s your lunch ticket.
AWARDS — Awards will be handed out at the picnic.
VIEWING THE RACE — The Mopac pedestrian bridge is a fantastic place to view the race. There are other areas along the hike and bike trail including the little dock below Eiler’s park. There will be limited viewing from the finish dock. Please take care to keep this area clear.
FUNDRAISING — If you are not already doing so, please consider donating or making a push to spread awareness and raise funds for either Prostate Cancer support or Swim Lessons for those at risk. It's easy to set up your own page here.
QUESTIONS? Contact Race Coordinator: Sandy Neilson @ 512-327-0955
