The WOW Race

05/29/2026

Everything’s better with friends — especially a 7:00 AM lake swim.

Tag your swim buddy and make plans for June 13 at Gillson Beach.

Register together: bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson

05/21/2026

Sign up NOW for WOW!

For many swimmers, the WOW Swim is the unofficial start of summer on the North Shore.

Lake Michigan. Gillson Beach. Early morning energy.
There’s nothing quite like it.

Join us June 13: bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson

04/29/2026

Join us bright and early on Saturday, June 13, for our 8th Annual WOW Race at Gillson Beach — the North Shore’s best beach. Lake Michigan is calling!

Register: bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson

04/23/2026

Nearly 150 swimmers gathered at Wilmette’s Gillson Beach on Saturday, June 14, for the seventh annual Wilmette Open Water Swim Race.

04/23/2026

Did you know?
The WOW Swim is a fundraising event that supports the work of the Ouilmette Foundation and partner organizations:
• Wallace Bowl preservation
• Wilmette Park District scholarship fund
• ALS research

Swim for a cause on June 13 🌊 bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson

04/20/2026

The lake no longer has its greenish gray winter layer which means that we're finally seeing the arrival of the spring turnover! https://weekly.wiscampsin.com/p/lake-michigans-thermocline-works

04/20/2026

T-minus two months until the 8th Annual WOW Race!

Join us on Saturday, June 13 at Gillson Beach for a one-mile open water swim in Lake Michigan – timed, supported, and one of Wilmette’s favorite summer traditions.

Registration is open: bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson

04/13/2026

Get your WOWel!

What’s better than a lake swim? 🌊
A lake swim with a WOW towel (“WOWel”) and a swim cap included!
Extra towels are available for $30 to support the cause.

June 13 at Gilson Beach. Don’t miss it – sign up now: bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson

04/08/2026

No sharks. No salt. Occasionally frozen. 🌊
The WOW Swim is one of Wilmette’s favorite summer traditions. A one-mile challenge + great gear + fundraising for a good cause.

June 13 at Gilson Beach
$70 registration | $30 extra WOWels
Sign up now: bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson

04/01/2026

It's official – the WOW Swim is back for year #8!

Join us on Saturday, June 14 at Gillson Beach for a one-mile open water swim in Lake Michigan – timed, supported, and one of Wilmette’s favorite summer traditions. This is not an April Fool's Day joke!

Registration is open: bit.ly/wowrace2026
📸: (c) Matthew Gilson