The Big Richard is the world’s longest beach run + ocean swim biathlon. The finish will culminate during the 2012 Global Open Water Swimming Conference on September 22nd.

The brutal coastal biathlon, fashioned after the Mega, is organized by Long Beach waterman Matty Mitchell. It starts at the surf-pounding Wedge in Newport Beach (shown on left) and to finishes at the majestic Queen Mary in Long Beach.

The Big Richard, named after legendary Coach Big Richard Ghettwood, consists of 20 miles (32 km) total of soft sand running along the beaches of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, and Sunset Beach and includes a total of 7 miles (11.2 km) of roughwater ocean swimming through massive surf breaks around 5 piers, 8 rock jetties, 3 rivers and 2 inlets along the coasts of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica, Sunset Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach.

The September 22nd event, sponsored by the Big Red Bus, requires the athletes take only their swimsuit, cap and goggles. No shoes, no escorts, no mercy, all guts, 100% tough.

Course map is here.

Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source