A local group is organizing the first organized open-water swim in the Chicago River, aiming to change the public's perception of the waterway. The event, which will raise money for ALS research, is open to 500 swimmers and offers one-mile or two-mile routes.
It’s been more than a century since swimmers braved the open waters of the Chicago River , which was infamously used as the city’s sewer in the 1800s. But a local group hopes to change the public’s perception of the waterway with the first organized open-water swim , planned for the fall. The murky waterway may seem off-putting to some.
'For those of us who have grown up around Chicago, it’s a little hard to imagine, but during most of the year, the water is clean enough to swim,' said Doug McConnell, co-founder of A Long Swim, which orchestrated the event. The event —12 years in the making — is open to 500 swimmers and will raise money for ALS research. Participants, who must have past open-water or triathlon experience, can opt for either a one-mile or two-mile route encircling the Loop. The last open-water swims in the Chicago River were held in the early 20th century, after the city famously reversed the river’s flow to improve sanitation
Chicago River Open-Water Swim ALS Research Swimmers Event
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