The annual Idit-a-Swim, a Haines pool promotion that puts swimmers “on the trail” to Nome, started Feb. 4 and continues through March.
Pool manager RaeAnn Galasso said the swimmers are scored a mile for every lap (two lengths) they swim in the pool. Swimmers keep track of their own sleds, and can use fins and paddles to incorporate different workouts.
Like the dog-powered event, this year’s race is 975 miles along the race’s northern route to Nome.
There are prizes for the first “mushers” under the burled arch, but the fun of the event is participating. Just finishing the event, 27 miles of swimming, is an accomplishment, Galasso said.
“It’s about getting in here and the team spirit of getting in the pool and being healthy,” Galasso said. The Idit-a-Swim started in 1997. Call 766-2666 for information.