Event Spotlight: Bridges to Bluffs

Event overview:

The Bridges to Bluffs 10k Swim is held every September in Downtown Knoxville, TN. Solo swimmers and two-person relays are treated to a downriver swim in the Tennessee River, with water temps typically in the low to mid 70s. The 10-km course starts with a quick jump from the Star of Knoxville river boat, carries swimmers under 5 picturesque bridges and finishes in the scenic bluffs of Sequoyah Hills.

The 8th annual B2B, as it’s affectionately known by the local KOWS (Knoxville Open Water Swimmers) USMS Club, will be held on September 28, 2025. Registration is still open for solo swimmers ages 13+ and two-person relays ages 18+. The swim is dual sanctioned with USMS and USA Swimming.

Register or find out more:

https://knoxvilleopen-waterswimmers.squarespace.com/bridgestobluffs

It's not just a swim!

The weekend package includes a dinner cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville to preview the first four miles of the course and get the mandatory safety briefing. Sunday’s post-race celebration includes a catered barbecue picnic at the swim exit. There are many spots for spectators to catch a glimpse of their swimmers winding through town.

About Lana, the Race Director

Race Director Lana Burl volunteered for B2B in its first year, swam the next five years and directed last year, taking over for B2B founder Jack McAfee. Lana owns LB Endurance Lab in Knoxville and is a full-time triathlon and swim coach. She also directs the growing Bussell Island Swim held in May in nearby Lenoir City, TN.

Some insights from Lana:

Q: What has been your absolute favorite memory from previous years' swims?

A: My favorite time for every race is to be on the Star of Knoxville River Boat as swimmers line up to jump to start their 10k journey. The anticipation is magic, with nervous smiles and anxious looks over the water, soon overwhelmed by jokes, laughter and “good lucks.” It’s hard to beat the feelings!

Q: How do you ensure that the course is well-marked and supported by volunteers or boats throughout the swim?

A: We use some standard techniques with swimmers and boats all numbered, and bright caps worn. We require a paddling pilot to escort each swimmer. The pilots are so important for navigation in this race; we really try to stress that they set the path, and the swimmer sets the pace. Our permit allows swimming within 50 feet of shore, and in spots where swimmers tend to cut corners, we employ large buoys. We have additional volunteers at our one river crossing. 2-3 motored boats with race staff and officials patrol the course and communicate with other river traffic.

Q: What safety measures are in place for swimmers during the event, especially for open-water conditions like currents and visibility?

A: Ensuring safety pervades every aspect of the event plan. The date of our race is set to avoid high traffic days on the Tennessee River. Knoxville is home to UT Volunteers Football, with a 90,000+ seat stadium that overlooks mile 2 of our swim. Many fans very festively arrive by boat, and the river just isn’t big enough to be safe for everyone, so we must avoid home football games.

The River remains open to all boat traffic, including commercial barges and recreational boaters, so visibility and staying out of the middle of the River are essential. We file permits with four different agencies prior to race day and have their support (sometimes they are on the water with us).

We monitor River conditions visually and with an app, but it can change a lot in a short time. We prepare for unseasonably warm or cool days and most importantly, we educate all involved with regular communication and safety briefing.

Q: What are the most important things you've learned as a race organizer, and what would you recommend to other race directors to have great events, meet goals, or avoid the pitfalls you've experienced?

A: It’s critical to capture the voice of every stakeholder in the event, to understand and address their needs. The swimmers are the stars, but the pilots, staff, volunteers, spectators, vendors, community and local officials are all impacted or involved in some way. Most will agree that safety is the top priority, and we have to remember that goes for EVERYONE, in and out of the water, in and out of the race, etc. Success is not making everyone happy, but instead meeting needs and expectations. Communication at all stages of planning and delivery is our best tool, and we want feedback.

Q: Anything else folks should know about B2B?

A: B2B is special in a lot of ways. We have a passionate gang of open water swimmers in Knoxville that cherish and love to share the River with visitors. B2B has proven a worthy first marathon swim for many, as well as the perfect supported training for ultramarathoners. A swimmer’s preparation and perseverance is tested as the course turns in and out of wind, eventually widening and slowing for the final mile - everyone’s favorite! Ha! The two-person relay has always been a small but incredibly fun part of the race, and many relay participants graduate to the “big kid” swim. It’s our pleasure to deliver a fun event that celebrates our lovely River.