The Wild Bill Swim & Paddle Challenge 2026 returns to Brookfield, Massachusetts on Saturday, August 1st. This event is part of a larger tradition that aims not just at fun and fitness but also philanthropy, with proceeds supporting the WaterWise Foundation's mission to teach basic water safety skills to children. Brookfield itself feels like stepping into another era. The streets wind past historic homes, lined by lush greenery and dotted with quaint shops. On race day, the air will be crisp and cool as summer transitions from its peak heat to a more comfortable late season feel. Families gather in the park where the event is held; children splash in fountains while parents chat on benches under old oak trees. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation, filled with the sounds of laughter and excited chatter. This year marks the fourth edition of the Wild Bill Swim & Paddle Challenge, honoring Dr. 'Wild Bill' Yorzyk, an Olympic gold medalist who was a pioneer in butterfly swimming. Every participant steps into his legacy by joining this community event that has grown to become one of Brookfield's most anticipated gatherings.
400 yd Open Swim - Out and Back ($25) 400yd • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $28.74
Half (1/2) Mile Open Water Swim ($30) Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $34.09
One (1) Mile Open Water Swim ($65) 1mi • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $71.53
One (1) Mile Open Water Swim- STUDENT ($50) 1mi • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $55.49
Three (3) Mile Open Water Swim ($75) 3mi • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $82.23
Three (3) Mile Open Water Swim- STUDENT ($65) 3mi • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $71.53
Two (2) Mile Open Water Swim ($70) 2mi • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $82.23
Two (2) Mile Open Water Swim - STUDENT ($60) 2mi • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $66.18
Registration for the Wild Bill Swim & Paddle Challenge can be done through https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114254/wild-bill-swim-and-paddle-challenge-2026. Fees range from $25 to $75, with student pricing available at a 15% discount for participants who are under the age of twenty-two. Bibs can be picked up on race day starting at noon in the Brookfield Town Hall gymnasium. Bring your ID and any necessary swimsuits or gear. The start location is the Brookfield Community Park, where volunteers will help you navigate both open water and paddle board challenges. Age requirements are minimal; all swimmers need to demonstrate basic swimming skills. On race day, expect a high of 24.8 degrees Celsius with a low of 15.5 degrees, making for comfortable conditions despite the humidity at around 77%. The average wind speed is moderate at 9.8 km/h, so you can anticipate some breezes that will keep things fresh. The Wild Bill Swim & Paddle Challenge 2026, August 1st in Brookfield, Massachusetts, offers more than just a day of swimming and paddling; it's an opportunity to make a difference and celebrate community spirit.
Races Offered
400 yd Open Swim - Out and Back ($25)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
400yd
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$28.74
Half (1/2) Mile Open Water Swim ($30)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
0.5mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$34.09
One (1) Mile Paddle Board Challenge ($40)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
1mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$44.79
One (1) Mile Open Water Swim ($65)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
1mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$71.53
One (1) Mile Open Water Swim- STUDENT ($50)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
1mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$55.49
Three (3) Mile Open Water Swim ($75)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
3mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$82.23
Three (3) Mile Open Water Swim- STUDENT ($65)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
3mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$71.53
Two (2) Mile Open Water Swim ($70)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
2mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$82.23
Two (2) Mile Open Water Swim - STUDENT ($60)
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
2mi
terrain
Type —
Running,
Water sports
timer
08:00
sell
$66.18
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Brookfield.
thermostatTemperature
15.3° / 24.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
14.7° / 24.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 48m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.2 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
9.8 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
77.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:56
nightlight
Sunset
19:46
About Brookfield
Learn more about the host city, Brookfield.
Brookfield is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Brookfield was first settled by Europeans in 1660. The population was 3,439 at the 2020 census.
