The Wildwood Navy SEAL Challenge is an annual swim, run and obstacle race on the beach, hosted by the Wildwood Beach Patrol with Even Kiel Racing. In 2026 it was held Sunday, August 9, at Lincoln Avenue and the beach; the 2027 date has not been announced yet.

What Makes This Challenge Special

• The course uses the sand and the ocean. In 2026 the swim was a little over a quarter mile in the ocean, the run was 3 miles, and the obstacles were hills of sand to run over and water to run through.
• The 2026 events were an individual swim/run obstacle challenge, a 4-person team challenge, a land-run-only challenge and a kids run.
• In the team challenge, teammates all hold a pipe and complete the obstacles together.

What to Expect at the Challenge

In 2026, check-in opened at 4:30 p.m. at Wildwood Beach Patrol headquarters; the swim/run challenges started at 6:30 p.m. and the land-run and kids challenges at 6:35 p.m.

• Individual, 4-person team, land-run-only and kids events
• Sand and water obstacles
• 2026 event parking was at the Baker Avenue parking lot
• Registration through RunSignUp; questions to the Wildwood Beach Patrol at 609-522-8258

Pack sunscreen, extra socks, and a change of clothes, and stay hydrated.

Where to Stay for Wildwood Navy SEAL Challenge

The five Coastal Collection hotels are family-owned, motel-style properties within a few blocks of the beach and the Boardwalk. See walk times from each hotel to the Boardwalk, or compare all five Wildwood hotels and book direct on each hotel’s page. All five are open in summer; from mid-October until April only Coastal Sands Inn is open.

The Coastal Collection