For the first time in a century, Chicago River will host open water swim
The river was approved for swimming 13 years ago. The Chicago River will host an open water swimming event for the first time in nearly a century, according to officials. Despite its reputation of being polluted, the river was recently approved for swimming by the Friends of the Chicago River 13 years ago. The event will take place on Sept. 22, with 500 qualified swimmers navigating the river through skyscrapers and iconic bridges. Proceeds from the event will benefit ALS research and local learn-to-swim programs for at-risk youth. To register, visit the event website here.
Veröffentlicht : Vor 2 Monaten durch Justine Lofton, Justine Lofton | [email protected], jmcguire1 in Environment
For the first time in nearly a century, the Chicago River will be the site of an open water swimming event this fall, officials announced.
Despite its longstanding reputation of being heavily polluted, the river has been cleaned up and was approved for swimming 13 years ago, the Friends of the Chicago River told ABC 7.
“The changes in the Chicago River over the past decades are nothing short of incredible,” said Doug McConnell, Triple Crown swimmer and CEO/co-founder of the nonprofit A Long Swim, which is organizing the event. “What was once unimaginable is now possible.”
The event is scheduled for Sept. 22 when 500 qualified swimmers will navigate the river beneath famed skyscrapers and iconic bridges.
Swimmers will start between the Clark and Dearborn Street bridges and navigate a looped course between State Street and Wolf Point. Spectators are encouraged to be part of the historic event. A family-friendly Finish Festival will be held near Clark Street Bridge.
Proceeds from the Chicago River Swim will benefit ALS research and local learn-to-swim programs for at-risk youth.
To register, visit the event website here.