The Amazing OctoChallenge
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One of Seattle’s favorite swims! Challenging and fun, this event fills fast.
How to Participate
Have you completed a 5k recently, or will you swim one this season? If so, the OctoChallenge has your name on it.
Criteria: All OctoChallenge registrants must complete at least one swim of 5k or longer by August 11th, 2026. Guila must receive proof of completion (via GPS screenshot, competition result, observer notes, or truthful statement) by August 12th, 2026.
Although we provide extraordinary, trained water safety personnel, we also ask that swimmers provide their own paddlers (kayakers or SUP) when possible.
Registration closes at midnight Tuesday, August 11, or when all spaces are filled. Register early to secure your place.
Date: SATURDAY, August 15th
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: $175 Includes OctoChallenge medal
Although we supply extraordinary, trained safety craft, we also ask that swimmers provide their own paddlers when possible.
MANDATORY SAFETY MEETING (ONLINE)
7:30 pm PT, Thursday, August 13th
You must participate in this meeting in order to swim. Please factor this requirement into your decision to register.
Details
Location: Lake Washington
Length: 8k (approximately 5 miles)
Level: Challenging. Please register only if you are confident in your ability to swim the entire distance. There is a 4.5 hour cutoff; for safety reasons we will pick up swimmers who have not finished by 2:00 pm.
Water: Fresh
Wetsuit: Your choice to wear one or not
Series Discount: Save $25
The Intrepid Swim Series includes the Tubby Trout 5K in addition to The OctoChallenge. Build your endurance with these sequenced events while saving money. (You can also pay less with additional discount options.)
Waiver/Safety Plan
To swim with us, you must read and agree to the Say Yes to Life Liability Waiver/Safety Plan.
Discounts on Other Open Water Swim Events
Learn about our discount options.
The Intrepid Series
Tubby Trout
See a complete list of 2026 events.
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