La Jolla Cove relay plans in the works

The picturesque waters off La Jolla Cove will be churning on Sept. 27 as up to 50 teams of swimmers compete in the Ninth Annual La Jolla Cove Swim Club’s 10 Mile Relay. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the American Diabetes Association, the San Diego Junior Lifeguards Foundation and the La Jolla Cove Swim Club.

The relay features teams of up to five members swimming in succession a 1-mile course starting and ending at La Jolla Cove. To complete the 10 miles, each team member enters the water twice.

Teams of fewer than five also enter and past years have seen a number of solo swimmers who individually complete the 10 laps – some of whom have completed the 10 miles faster than many of the five-member teams, according to race organizers.

First-place trophies will be awarded in various categories based upon the combined age of the team in addition to the top overall team and top male and female solo swimmers. As a fundraiser, the event also recognizes the individual and team that raises the most donations for the named charities.

Co-chairmen John Heffner and Tom Hecker have competed in the previous 10 Mile Relays.

“It is clearly one of the most fun events of the open water swim season,” said Hecker, an accomplished ocean swimmer who has swum the English Channel and recently completed a Catalina Channel crossing.

Heffner added, “Even if you are not the fastest team there are always teams to race against in a friendly way. And yes, there is a little bit of trash talking between teams.”

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