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last mo.

Chicago River Set to Welcome First Open-Water Swim in 98 Years

Approved for Sept. 21, the swim spotlights river cleanup, raises funds for ALS research, promotes youth swim education programs.

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Swimmers start their race in the water off Ohio Street Beach, Sept. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
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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.