3-Beaches Swim Challenge (Nelson Mandela Bay)
- Distance: 3.5km
About the race
Established in 2012, the 3 Beaches Challenge is an exciting team and individual Swim-Run race held along the stunning Port Elizabeth beachfront. The event offers a unique, fun, new-style format that combines multiple swim and run stages.
The race takes place along the magnificent coastline of Nelson Mandela Bay, starting and finishing at the Something Good Roadhouse at Pollok Beach. Participants navigate through four distinct stages, transitioning between swimming and running to complete the challenge.
Sources: Gqeberha · Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality · Prince Alfred's Guard Memorial · Horse Memorial
Course
Stage 1: 1.6km swim (Pollok Beach to Hobie Beach); Stage 2: 0.8km swim (Hobie Beach to Humewood Beach); Stage 3: 1.1km swim (Humewood Beach to Kings Beach); Stage 4: 3km run (Kings Beach to Something Good Roadhouse).
Awards
Prize Giving at 11h00.
Previous editions
Since 2012
How to get there
Airport: Port Elizabeth International (PLZ), 5-8 km from the city center. There is no reliable passenger rail network; car rental or Uber is recommended. The race site is accessible via Marine Drive. Parking is available at the main beaches (Hobie/Pollock Beach), but arriving early is advised due to high demand.
3-Beaches Swim Challenge (Nelson Mandela Bay)
Where to stay
The city offers diverse options, ranging from historic guesthouses near the central harbor to modern boutique hotels overlooking the beachfront. For those seeking a more immersive stay, self-catering apartments in the Summerstrand area provide immediate access to the start line. Prices typically range from $45 for mid-range guest houses to over $120 per night for premium sea-view suites.
Things to do nearby
Beyond the water, the region offers guided coastal hikes that trace the rocky outcrops of the bay and visits to the nearby Addo Elephant National Park. Local culinary experiences feature fresh seafood caught daily in the bay, while historical tours of the city's colonial-era architecture offer a deeper understanding of the Eastern Cape's complex development.
Swimmers
What to see around
1. Cape Recife Nature Reserve (lighthouse and marine life). 2. Addo Elephant National Park (safari 40km away). 3. Bayworld Museum (natural history). 4. Shark Rock Pier promenade. 5. Surfing at Pollock Beach, renowned for its consistent waves.
Other races by this organiser
- aQuellé Ocean Racing SeriesGqeberha, ZA
- Kool-a-Sun Marina MileJeffreys Bay, ZA
Comments
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