Courtesy of Sandy Neilson-Bell, Lake Travis, Texas.
Dr. Keith Bell and three-time Olympic gold medalist Sandy Neilson-Bell organize numerous pool and open water swimming events throughout the year for the American Swimming Association, but the longest events on her calendar are held in October near Austin, Texas.
The annual 12-mile Lake Travis Relay will be held on October 20th.
Lake Travis is the 5th lake in the chain of Highland Lakes that traverse the hill country just west of Austin.
Teams of six compete the Lake Travis Relay that can range anywhere from 10 – 12 miles depending on the course and water levels in the lake.
The start and finish are near Emerald Point. The rotations require each swimmer to swim their 20-minute leg first, then a 15-minute leg second, then 10-minute legs until their team has completed the course.
The American Swimming Association rules dictate that there is no tech suits, no drafting, fins, snorkels, heart monitors, wrist watches, pull buoys, floats or any other artificial aids permitted.
For more information on the Lake Travis Relay, visit here.
The 5-day Tex Robertson Highland Lakes Challenge will be held between October 31st and November 4th. The Challenge is held in 5 different lakes in 5 days and is separated in three categories: Monster Challenge, Weekend Warrior, and Individual Stage Races.
The Monster Challenge requires swimmers to compete in all 5 races on 5 consecutive days in the 5 lakes.
The Weekend Warrior requires swimmers to compete in all 3 races on Friday, Saturday, Sunday in 3 lakes.
The Individual Stage Races offers swimmers the opportunity to compete in any stage of the Monster Challenge on a single day. Stage 1 on Day 1 is in Lake Buchanan. Stage 2 on Day 2 is in Inks Lake. Stage 3 on Day 3 is in Lake LBJ. Stage 4 on Day 4 is in Lake Marble Falls. Stage 5 on Day 5 is in Lake Travis.
The American Swimming Association rules dictate that there is no tech suits, no drafting, fins, snorkels, heart monitors, wrist watches, pull buoys, floats or any other artificial aids permitted.
For more information on the Tex Robertson Highland Lakes Challenge, visit here.
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