Ely Lake Beach to Beach Swim on July 3

EVELETH—Twenty-two years after Pat Hogan started the Ely Lake Beach to Beach Swim, the 1969 Gilbert graduate will be back to help keep the tradition alive.

He expects 30-40 past area swimmers, along with high school team members, to take part in the 2.2 mile “social swim.’’ Swimmers even come from the Twin Cities and out of state to participate.

“I was the only person the first time because people didn’t think you could swim that whole length of Ely Lake’’ from the Eveleth beach to Sparta Beach. At the time, some said, “people can’t do that, that’s too far.’’

Hogan, who lives in Gig Harbor, Wash., said he made the swim the first year just to show that someone can do it more than anything else.

“Now it’s become pretty much of a tradition.’’

Many loyally come to the event each year, while new people and groups have joined in over time.

Rock Ridge swim coach Perry Brown is also “really good about getting his swim team to show up. It’s pretty impressive actually.’’

While seasoned open water swimmers aren’t intimidated by going 2.2 miles, “it looks ominous when you’re looking down the lake,’’ Hogan said. “You can’t see that far and it seems like a long way. It’s a matter of putting one stroke in front of the other.’’

The sighting is one of the most difficult things, he said, which is why there are three large buoys that Brown puts out every year. Those buoys help keep everyone somewhat in line.

With safety being a primary concern, swimmers are also asked to recruit support from someone with a kayak, canoe or boat to spot them while swimming.

“I always buy people bright-colored (fluorescent yellow) swim caps with the Beach to Beach logo on it every year so people are real visible during that time.’’

As far as how long it takes, Hogan said really fast swimmers can do it in under 60 minutes. Some can take well over 90 minutes, he added.

Hogan, 73, said people of all ages take part.

“With conditioning you can do it at any age.’’ Finding an activity, staying with it and not stopping sooner than you need to keeps a person viable their entire life. He said some swimmers have been doing it for many, many years and are still strong and doing it well. “It’s pretty inspiring to see that.’’

Physical activity is key to maintaining a good “healthspan,’’ not just a good “lifespan,’’ according to Hogan.

Despite the 2.2 mile distance, completing the event wouldn’t be quite as gratifying if it wasn’t that long, he stated. “It’s a motivation to train and to accomplish a feat like that and feel good about yourself when you’re done.’’

All finishers will receive a commemorative finisher medal and updated color Beach to Beach Swim beach towel.

Anyone that would like to participate can just show up with a friend or family member for water support, said Hogan. There is “no obligation, they just have to show up and be willing to have fun and be able to do the race. ... The whole point is to do something that’s fun and motivated and active.’’

Bob and Colleen Finc spotted Hogan in the very first Beach to Beach and are now “key supporters’’ every year.

Those that just come to watch, cheer the swimmers as they leave the beach and as they arrive at Sparta Beach. “The energy of the crowd sort of pulls them along. Having that local support is really nice.’’

Swimmers are asked to arrive between 9 and 9:30 a.m. to get ready and take a group photograph.

The swim itself starts at 10 a.m.

Speaking about the event’s tradition, Hogan said local open water swimmers John Muhich, Aaron Kelson and Jeff Brown have been loyal to the Beach to Beach for many years now. He hopes they will keep maintaining the tradition, as well.

Another group that could keep it going in the future is the young people now doing it in their teens.

“We can see some of these people maintaining the swim for decades to come.’’