Hundreds plunge into Chicago River in first open-water swim in nearly a century
3 days ago
- #Environmental restoration
- #Chicago River
- #Open-water swimming
- First organized open-water swim in the Chicago River in almost a century took place with 300 participants.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the event as a step towards reclaiming the river for recreation and global recognition.
- Swimmers participated in 1-mile and 2-mile courses, celebrating the river's improved water quality.
- Event organizer Doug McConnell praised the city's efforts to make the river swimmable again.
- Last year's event was relocated to Lake Michigan due to safety concerns.
- Participants, including competitive swimmers, expressed excitement and satisfaction with the river's cleanliness.
- The Chicago River's water quality has significantly improved due to environmental efforts and stricter standards.
- Advocacy groups like Friends of the Chicago River have worked for decades to protect and restore the river.
- Winners of the swim events included Levy Nathan (1-mile) and Becca Mann (2-mile), who praised the experience.
- A Long Swim nonprofit announced donations totaling $150,000 for ALS research and youth swim lessons.