The 20th Annual Swim Teal Lake: Benefit for Diabetes will be held on Saturday, July 27th, 2024.

The first swim occurred in 2004 when Dr. Michael Grossman enlisted the help of Bell Hospital and the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network (UPDON) in planning a 2.25 mile swim across Teal Lake in Negaunee.

Hundreds of swimmers have ventured across the lake in this challenge, assisted by an equal amount of volunteer kayakers who have helped to guide them. Past guest speakers have included: Olympic gold medal winner, Peter Vanderkaay at the 2005 and 2013 events, Mark Spitz in 2009, Janet Evans in 2010, Coralie Simmons in 2011, Dr. Natalie Strand in 2014, and Gary Hall Jr. in 2017.

If you enjoy swimming, the time is right to begin your training for the 20th annual Swim Teal Lake: Benefit for Diabetes on July 27, 2024. Hope to see you at the swim!

This year’s race will consist of the traditional 2.25 mile swim across Teal Lake and a short ¼ swim. The “Short-n-Sweet” swim will be a 1/4 mile swim and open to ALL ages! It will be a great introduction to open water swimming. The “Short-n-Sweet” swim will begin at 8:30 am with the Beginner to start at 9 am and Competitive at 9:30 am. Register online by July 26, 2024, or the morning of the swim. Please register at least 1/2 hour before your heat begins. All races will start on Negaunee’s Teal Lake Beach. The “Short-n-Sweet” will begin and end on the Negaunee side while the long races will end at Ishpeming’s beach at Al Quaal.

All swimmers and volunteers will be treated to a free meal at the Italian Fest held at Al Quaal.