The La Jolla Swim Club event is expected to draw more than 200 swimmers for the 1.5-mile open water race from Scripps Pier to La Jolla Cove.

Whether swimmer or spectator, those looking for a time-honored La Jolla event might want to head to the shoreline Sunday, June 29, for the Pier to Cove Swim.

The annual La Jolla Cove Swim Club event will begin at 9 am at Scripps Pier, when more than 200 participants will make the watery, 1.5-mile journey north to La Jolla Cove.

The swim is assisted by San Diego lifeguards, who ensure no one gets too far off course, according to race director and La Jolla resident Jeff Rake.

The average swimmer will complete the race in about 45 minutes, Rake said, though many will finish it faster or slower (the race is capped at 90 minutes for safety).

“It’s a fun event,” Rake said, with many expected from across Southern California and a few from around the country.

“La Jolla is really a mecca for open water swimmers,” he said.

Rake has never actually participated in the Pier to Cove Swim but is honored to direct the race this year, following beloved club member and longtime race director Doug Burleigh’s death a few weeks ago.

Burleigh was “a fixture at The Cove,” Rake said. “His presence will be very missed.”

Registrations are accepted up until the race begins; check-in is at La Jolla Shores. Swimmers must be at least 16 years old or have prior approval.

The race is sponsored by Local H2O, Rake’s snack company Shark Repellant and more. Visit lajollacoveswimclub.com/events for registration and more information.

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