SARASOTA, Florida – The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America will bring its 2025 Open Water National Championship to Nathan Benderson Park on Saturday, December 13. It marks the first time the competition will be held in Sarasota County, according to event organizers.
The full-day championship, designated as a USA Swimming qualifying competition, is expected to draw nearly 240 collegiate athletes representing NCAA Divisions I, II, III and NAIA programs nationwide. The top five finishers in each gender will earn invitations to the USA Swimming 5K Open Water Championships, which will return to Sarasota County in April 2026.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for collegiate athletes to compete at a world-class venue,” Maureen Palchak, the CSCAA’s chief operating officer, said in an event announcement. Nate Sweetman, Visit Sarasota County sports marketing manager, said the championship highlights the region’s growing presence in endurance and aquatic sports. Bruce Patneaude, chief operating officer of Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, said the park looks forward to welcoming the athletes and showcasing its open water course.
Races begin at 8:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota. Event leaders from CSCAA, Nathan Benderson Park and Visit Sarasota County will be on site throughout the day.
More information is available athttps://cscaa.org/open-water-championship
