NEWPORT — Kingdom Games has restructured NEK Swim Week 2026 to include only two swims, down from its previous multi-lake format, the organization announced.
The Lake Memphremagog swim is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, followed by the Lake Willoughby swim on Saturday, Aug. 8. Swims on the other six lakes have been canceled for 2026.
“To be honest and blunt, we stretched our resources these past two years and we felt the need to refocus our attention and resources on our most popular and well attended events,” Kingdom Games said in a statement. “We hope to be back with a full NEK Swim Week in 2027 or 2028.”
The Lake Memphremagog swim takes place in Derby Bay and offers two distance options: 6.5 miles from the Clubhous into Canada and around Province Island and back, or 12 miles past Province Island and around Isle Ronde and back.
The swim is limited to 20 swimmers and 20 kayakers. A barbecue with steamed corn on the cob and watermelon will follow at the Clubhous.
The Lake Willoughby swim offers a five-mile one-way option or a 10-mile two-way distance. According to Kingdom Games, participants swim with the wind on the first five-mile leg, while those completing the 10-mile distance swim against the wind on the return.
The swim is capped at 35 participants for 2026. Sandwiches, corn on the cob and watermelon will be served at White Caps Campground after the swim. Kingdom Games has hosted the Willoughby swim since 2010.
Online registration for both swims remains open through Aug. 1 at kingdomgames.co/swim-the-kingdom-week.
