Chicago River Swim Meet Approved for September
Event organizers in Chicago have announced that the city has given approval for the Chicago River Swim Meet to take place in September. While originally planned to be a swim through the city center, changes have been made to ensure the safety of participants.
Venue Change to Ensure Safety
The organizers of the Chicago River Swim Meet have decided to move the event to Ohio Street Beach, where swimmers will now exclusively swim in Lake Michigan. This decision came after reaching an agreement with city officials, with safety being the primary concern for the change in the route.
According to CRS organizers, swimmers will gather at the Riverwalk, board a boat, and commence their swim upon reaching Ohio Street Beach. This adjustment was made to address the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event and to prioritize the well-being of the participants.
Excitement Builds for Historic Swim
The Chicago River Swim Meet, scheduled for September 22, will mark the first open water swim in the river in nearly a century. With over a thousand applicants, only 500 swimmers have been selected to compete, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event.
Organizers are hopeful that the venue change for this year will pave the way for future swims in the Chicago River, offering participants a unique and memorable experience.
Supporting ALS Research
Proceeds from the Chicago River Swim Meet will go towards funding ALS research, underscoring the event’s commitment to not only promoting physical health but also supporting important causes. In the event that participants are unable to partake in the swim due to the venue change, the organization is offering refunds or the option to apply fundraising efforts towards next year’s event.
Looking ahead, organizers are optimistic that the Chicago River Swim Meet will continue to grow in popularity and provide swimmers with the opportunity to traverse the historic river in the years to come.