Get ready to make a splash into the rich culture and history of Japan without leaving the pool. The Kingsport Aquatic Center has stirred up the community once again with their annual challenge set by the 100-Mile Swim Club. In 2025, inspired swimmers will embark on a 1,922-mile virtual journey that spans from Ishigaki Island to the Date Masamune Historical Museum, according to an announcement released by the Kingsport official website.
Along the way, participants will "visit"—in a manner of swimming strokes—iconic stops such as Senpiro Falls and Tokyo Disney. Cultivating a sense of togetherness, the challenge aims to teach participants a little about Japan's history while promoting health and fitness. Aquatic Shift Leader Olivia Carey stated, "The 100-Mile Swim Club is an excellent way to motivate yourself to get active in the new year," in a statement obtained by the Kingsport official website. She added, "Working with your fellow swimmers to reach all the stops, complete the trip and learn a little about the history of another country can be extremely rewarding."
The challenge is inclusive and open for sign-ups, starting from January 1, 2025, through the end of the year. The cost of entry varies, with a slightly higher fee for YMCA and non-members as opposed to Kingsport Aquatic Center and Kingsport Senior Center members. Eager members of the community are encouraged to join at any point, as all registrants are gifted a 2025 100-Mile Swim Club t-shirt as a token of participation.
Registration options are diverse for this immersive experience, with the Aquatic Center providing an in-person option at their front desk, a phone number (423-343-9758), and a digital avenue through their website—just click the “CivicRec” link followed by the “Aquatic Center” tab. Since the club's formation in 2016, the 100-Mile Swim Club has been about more than just racking up laps; the club seeks to reinforce the swimming community's bonds. As swimmers cut through the water at their personal pace, staff at Kingsport Aquatic Center diligently track each participant's mileage and the club's overall progression against the scenic backdrop of a route map displayed in the lobby for all to see.
