WE'RE HAPPY YOU WILL BE JOINING US for some, or all, of the 16th Tex Robertson Highland Lakes Challenge! Our hope is for you to enjoy safe and fun races as the event moves through a few of Central Texas's unique and beautiful Highland Lakes.  

GENERAL RACE INFO: Please note (read) the following general RACE GUIDELINES. —and— RACE RULES.  They are not long reads :)

Feel free to shoot me an email (sneilz@me.com) or a text if you have questions. Specific RACE DAY (where to meetup, etc) info will follow in another email.

 

2025 HLC UPDATES: will  be posted at 2O25 EMAIL UPDATES which is posted near top of HLC website. Check INSTAGRAM (win_swim_events) for last-minute notices.

 

Sandy Neilson, Organizer

512-327-0955 (text is best out at the lakes due to reception)

Please add to your contacts:

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SPONSORS & SUPPORT CREW
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Valentine Lakeside (Pat & Susan @ 325-388-4418) and Willow Point Resort (Gwen & Bryan @ 512-793-5000) have been integral over the years to the success of the Highland Lakes Challenge. Both offer beautiful waterfront accommodations  kitchen units, are proximal to all race sites, and have a “SWIMMER DISCOUNT” for 2 night minimum.  Please support them when you are able, by either using their services or spreading the good word about them. 

 

BLUEBONNET CAFE —  Swimmers and volunteers receive a coupon for a free piece of pie. Each day's long distance stage winner receives a coupon for a whole PIE.  Hope you’ll join us after the race for a meal & some delicious pie! 211 US Hwy. 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654 

 

TEX ROBERTSON – We have so much love and appreciation for our race's namesake, Tex Robertson, and his family.  You can read a bit about Tex's invaluable contributions to swimming, and our connections here.  Attawaytogo!

 

SUPPORT CREW —  We’re very fortunate to have a truly dedicated and enthusiastic support crew for this event.  Please take the time to appreciate our  hosts, volunteer paddlers, and land-lubbing friends for their help.

 

START TIMES — 9:00 a.m. Note: while there are times where weather or course setup conditions are such that we may get a bit delayed, historically, we’ve been pretty close to 9 a.m. so be there on time. :) if you’re not checked in (see check-in & briefing times below), we must consider you a no-show. 
 

CHECK-IN — You must arrive early to check-in. Please note earlier timeline for Day 1 @ Lake Travis.

NOTE: Allow for time to get parked, unloaded, acclimated to the situation and hopefully to meet some new swim friends.  

 

PADDLER & SWIMMER SAFETY BRIEFING — We will have a MANDATORY safety briefing for swimmers and for paddlers every morning prior to race start. Be ready to gather for this at approximately 8:30-8:40.

 

SAFETY — All entrants participate at their own risk. A limited number of safety paddlers and boaters will provide visibility for the course and "eyes on" but ultimately it is a swimmers’ responsibility to navigate the course safely within their own physical abilities. Every swimmer will be required to wear a swim-bouy for safety and to help provide greater visibility of swimmers on the course. Neither the safety kayaks or swim buoys are intended as resting spots so using either to do so is a disqualification.

SWIM-BUOYS — ALL SWIMMERS must swim with a tow-behind swim buoy. We have a limited # of buoys for rent for $10 per day.  Reply to this email or text me (contact above) if you need a swim buoy and I’ll put one aside for you until we run out.

SAFETY PADDLERS — We welcome  our "on-water” paddlers and boating friends and trust they will have fun also. Safety vessels are on the course to provide “visibility” to other lake users, provide extra “eyes on” the overall course, and to assist you, in the event you should need them. They are not, however, to provide a race lead, course guidance, drafting assistance — or, a resting spot. This is your swim. Go for it . . .have fun!  

 

FAMILY.FRIENDS.FANS — DO YOU WANT TO KAYAK? On any of the days we may have a kayak or two (many more on Saturday) to lend to anyone who would like to get out on the water and enjoy the view. We appreciate the race visibility this creates and the ability to have more "eyes on."  Just LMK.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS — While we’re lucky that we “play” outdoors we are still cognizant that there is no “zero risk” at any type of gathering when it comes to current contagious viruses and exposure when traveling.  Please consider the safety of your swim mates. Self-monitor prior to the event, and if you have symptoms, or have been exposed, please stay home. On site, we ask that you practice distancing and other common health courtesies ** Please don’t crowd Carolyn at check-in and leave some room for others around the bananas & water table.  Just let us know if we need to speak louder as you distance :)

RACE INFO & RULES — Swimmers are responsible for understanding the rules. Again,  PLEASE READ the RULES.  It’s not a long read :)

 

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