Beast of the Brazos

Prepare to conquer the open waters of the Brazos River at the Beast of the Brazos, a premier open-water swim event taking place on September 12, 2026, in scenic Waco, TX. Celebrating its 7th anniversary, this exciting challenge offers distances of 2.4 miles, 1.2 miles, and a 750-meter swim sprint, perfectly mirroring the iconic swim courses of the full IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 Waco events. Swimmers will navigate the Brazos River, with the 2.4-mile course featuring an upstream start before circling back, while the 1.2-mile distance is predominantly downstream. The finish line awaits at Indian Springs Park, a central hub for race day activities including packet pickup.

Participants can expect typical race day conditions in Waco to feature highs around 91°F and lows around 70°F, with a slight 10% chance of precipitation. Safety is paramount, with strict guidelines regarding water temperature; wetsuits are not permitted if the water temperature exceeds 84°F, and the course will be abbreviated if temperatures climb above 90°F. All registered swimmers will receive a commemorative swim cap, a Dri-Fit shirt, and a distinctive finisher's medal to mark their achievement.

Beyond the personal challenge, the Beast of the Brazos stands out as a community-focused event, with all proceeds benefiting the Greater Waco Sports Commission, supporting efforts to enhance lives through sports and exercise. After pushing your limits in the Brazos, join fellow competitors for an awards ceremony celebrating the top three male and female finishers in each age category, followed by an after-party at the Even Hotel.