Geoffrey Keller Memorial Open Water Swim

Held in honor of the late son of Curt and Kathy Keller to raise funds for Malignant Hyperthermia research.

Saturday, June 10, 2017 - Lincoln Trail State Park, Marshall, Illinois

 Online registration closes Friday, June 9, 2017 at 4:00pm EST. Last minute registration at the event is available from 7:00am-8:30am. Have fun! 

Presented by: Marshall, IL, the Geoffrey Keller Group of MHAUS, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Registration/Donation information

There is a $20.00 registration fee. All participants MUST raise an additional $30.00 to swim on the day of the event. You can download a donation form to collect donations from your friends, families, and co-workers here: Downloadable Donation Form

 If you or your supporters would like to submit a donation online, you can do so here: DONATE ONLINE

Each swimmer is encouraged to raise as much funds as they can in support of their swimming efforts. The swimmer who raises the most funds will win an award to be announced at the event. 

Swim Course

Rectangular 1.2 and 2.4 Mile loop course marked by buoys, lifeguards, rowboats, rescue boards, and kayaks, officials, and/or other safety resources.  In-water start, swim counter-clockwise around orange 8-foot tetrahedron turn buoy marks (with red guide buoys on straightaways), and a hand timed finish. Course is subject to change if event day conditions warrant. See map below.

Awards and Wetsuits

Non-wetsuit distance competitions: Awards will be presented to: Overall top 3 Men and top 3 Women place finishers; and First place finisher in each Men and Women age group division. If Wetsuits distance competitions are allowed: Awards will be presented only to the top 3 Men and top 3 Women place finishers. Wetsuits may be allowed at the discretion of the Event Director when the Marshall Lake water temperature is not greater than 78 degrees F. 

Directions

Lincoln Trail Lake, Lincoln Trail State Park 16985 E. 1350th Road, Marshall, Illinois 62441. West of Illinois Route 1, two miles south of Marshall in Clark County, Illinois. See map below.

Event Officials

Director: Tom Hintz: Asst. Director: Doug Rees; Clerk of Course: Gary Schopp; Data Coordinator: Amy Yargus; Referee: Curt Keller; Aquatics Safety Coordinator: Nick Vinardi, Rob Crumrin; Advisor: John Traynor.

Lodging

Approximately 5 miles from the park are: Super 8 Hotel, 106 East Trefz Dr  Marshall, IL 62441, 217-826-8043, www.super8.com and Lincoln Suites, 105 B West Trefz Dr Marshall, IL 62441, 217-826-6535, www.lincolnsuitesinn.com

Camping, Food, Parking, Pets

CAMPSITES/RV sites available in the park. For  reservations go to: www.reserveamerica.com or call (217) 826-2222.  Please indicate you are with the Geoff Keller Memorial Open Water Swim Event.  FOOD: A full-service concession stand is located near the boat docks and the wooded shoreline perfect for a picnic. Some shaded areas offer tables, stoves, toilet facilities and water; and four shelters,  one with electricity. Playground equipment in two picnic areas.  FREE PARKING: available in the lots next to the registration tent.  PETS: Are welcome on leashes.

No transfers, no deferrals, no refunds.  Event may be delayed or cancelled due to extreme weather, other emergency, and/or as determined by the Event Director, Facility/Venue Host, Safety Officials, and/or Event Referee. 

About Geoffrey Keller

Geoffrey Warren Keller, a malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptible person, passed away on September 9, 2012. Geoffrey, age 26, will be honored as a loving husband, son, brother, and friend. His family and friends have come together to organize ongoing events to memorialize Geoffrey. More at: http://my.mhaus.org/group/GeoffKeller

Donate in Memory of Geoffrey Keller

Click this link

What is Malignant Hyperthermia

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is inherited genetic disorder found in an estimated 1 out of 2,000 people. MH is triggered by certain anesthesia and most often experienced in individuals undergoing routine surgery, but in rare cases, MH can happen without anesthesia. Symptoms include body temperatures of 107 degrees or more, muscle rigidity, system-wide organ failure, and possible death.

What is MHAUS

Founded by families who lost their children to MH or could not find information about MH; in 1981 they found each other - and a doctor performing MH testing – and agreed "to make current information about MH available to all who need it!” Today Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) provides information and resources to medical and lay communities through its 24-hour MH Hotline, educational materials, events, and help from MH groups. Get involved with people in your area to support MHAUS' mission of promoting optimum care and scientific understanding of MH and related disorders. MH episodes can happen at any time. MHAUS can help you prepare before it’s too late. More at: www.mhaus.org