Overview

• The City of Chicago has approved a one- to two-mile swim for Sept. 21 along the main stem of the Chicago River from Dearborn Street Bridge to Clark Street Bridge with up to 500 qualified participants.
• The nonprofit A Long Swim, founded by world-class open-water swimmer Doug McConnell, is producing the event in partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation and will feature 2020 Olympian Natalie Hinds.
• Applications are free and open through 10 p.m. CDT on Aug. 11 but require prior swim experience and an agreement to meet fundraising commitments.
• Organizers will deploy real-time water quality monitoring, more than 100 safety personnel on kayaks, paddle boards and boats, autonomous buoys, GPS surveillance and vessel closures to secure the course.
• Proceeds will benefit ALS research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and swim safety education for at-risk youth while spectators enjoy family activities, vendors and a VIP viewing party along the Riverwalk.