Event Update | Swim the Gold Coast

Hi Everyone,

Just when we thought the worst of the COVID disruptions were behind us, they're once again blocking our path to deliver this event and allow you to achieve your goal of swimming the Gold Coast.

The latest border restrictions are severely impacting our ability to deliver this event in August.  Over 60% of swimmers and support crews registered are from outside Queensland and cannot travel, as are some suppliers, partners and event staff who all play an important role.

We are therefore forced to make another devastating decision and cancel the 2021 event planned for August 21.  Instead, we’ll be hosting an epic virtual event, so that everyone can complete the swim they have trained for, with absolute certainty.

We know that nothing compares to the real thing, but our Swim the Gold Coast Virtual Event will allow you to achieve your goal and see your result alongside all other competitors, plus new guests who’ll be participating from around the world.

We really look forward to being back on the beach with you all next Summer, bring it on.

John Guise

Race Director | World Series Swims

YOUR OPTIONS

We would really appreciate your support for our Virtual Event as it will allow us all, swimmers and organisers, to put our preparation into practice after 12 months of disappointments.  If it isn’t viable for you to participate, we also have a credit and refund option available.

We have always had a strict refunds policy in our entry Terms & Conditions surrounding postponements and cancellations.  However, given the circumstances, we are trying to offer you as many options as we can.

We realise that our refund offer is not the full entry fee you paid, but when we had to postpone in May, just days before the event, almost all event expenses were paid for in full and entry fees contribute to these costs.  Unfortunately, some of our costs cannot be recovered or carried forward to 2022, so a full refund is just not possible.  These are very unique circumstances that we are all faced with.

If you registered for May 29 and/or had your entry carried forward to the rescheduled August 21 event, you have three options.

OPTION #1: Virtual Event Entry (Aug 21 - Sep 21)

The entry fee you paid for Swim the Gold Coast will be credited towards the Virtual Event and you will receive:

• STGC Virtual Event Entry
• STGC Event Towel (posted to you)
• STGC Event Cap (posted to you)
• Engine Swim Cap (posted to you)
  
• Merchandise orders (if applicable)
• Official Results on World Series Swims website
• An additional credit towards the 2022 Swim the Gold Coast event: Solo ($60) Duo ($100) Teams ($200)
  
• To sign up for free, enter the code STGCFREE in the Entry Form field 'Optional Code'
  

The Virtual Event dates are from Aug 21 - Sept 21 giving you five weeks to complete your swim.

OPTION #2: Entry Fee Credit for 2022 or 2023

• A credit of your 2021 entry fee for 2022 or 2023 event (less 5% booking fees)
• Please email marathon@worldseriesswims.com.au to request a CREDIT
• Credits will be applied when you re-enter in 2022 or 2023 using a discount code provided.

OPTION #3: Refund

• A refund of 70% of your 2020 or 2021 entry fee
• Please email marathon@worldseriesswims.com.au with your bank details to request a REFUND
• Refunds will be processed following the completion of the Virtual Event (Sept 21)
  

Message to August Withdrawal Applicants

When we offered Withdrawal Applications following the May 29 postponement, we were relying on new entries to fill your spot and provide you with a refund.  Unfortunately, the August cancellation means that the new entries will no longer eventuate and your entry can no longer be replaced.

We realise some of you were notified that your entry had been replaced, however the above options now apply to everyone who was registered for May 29, including those of you who submitted a Withdrawal Application for the rescheduled event.

Please contact us if you require any clarification.