Along the shores of Lake Michigan, A Long Swim includes distances for all swimmers from beginners to advanced. Safety provided by lifeguards and boats throughout the course. Loops keep the guards close by at every turn.
Chicago River Swim 2027 Qualifier!! Looking to up your game and join A Long Swim at the Chicago River Swim in September 2027? Finishing the 1.2, 2.4 and 5K distances qualify you to apply for the Chicago River Swim in 2027.
A Long Swim is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Chicago, Illinois that designs and manages open water swimming events raising funds for ALS collaborative world-class research.
Every registration includes: A Long Swim Swag ( Short Sleeve Exclusive A Long Swim Shirt), branded race swim cap, breakfast, and a good time.
Professionally timed and distances offered:
5K
2.4 miles
1.2 miles
1500 meters
750 meters
Fundraising Opportunities: Everyone has a chance to fundraise. Those raising $500 will receive a A Long Swim Stanley 30 ounce tumbler. Raising $1000 will receive a Speedo A Long Swim Backpack and raising $2000 all the goodies and an A Long Swim custom Kijaro fold-up bag chair.
A Long Swim - RACE DAY DETAILS
Swimmer Check -in
Check-in for all pre-registered swimmers and event day registration will begin at Tower Road Beach at 6:00 a.m. You will receive your timing chip, body marking, official swim cap, and A Long Swim Swag.
Event Day Registration
A $15 premium will be added to anyone registering event day morning. Check, Cash, or Credit Card will be accepted.
Wetsuits
Wetsuits are welcome. Anything that will keep you happy in the water is fine with us!
Conditions: You are swimming in Lake Michigan and conditions can change hourly. Update on temperature and conditions will be sent out 24 hours prior to the event.
Parking: Free parking is available at Lloyd Park (799 Sheridan Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093) just south of Tower Road Beach (899 Sheridan Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093).
A shuttle bus will drive swimmers, spectators, staff and volunteers from Lloyd Park to Tower Road Park. If Lloyd Park lots are full, overflow parking is at the Winnetka Metra Station Lot on the corner of Elm Street and Green Bag Road. The shuttle will also operate at this location.
Spectators: This is a great event to spectate. Many laps to cheer on your swimmer. Plus a great beach to hang out in.
Aug 09, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Water sports
06:30
$80.00
Aug 09, 2026
Distance — 2.4 Miles
Type — Water sports
07:00
$70.00
Aug 09, 2026
Distance — 1.2 Miles
Type — Water sports
07:20
$70.00
Aug 09, 2026
Distance — 1500m
Type — Water sports
07:35
$60.00
Aug 09, 2026
Distance — 750m
Type — Water sports
07:45
$60.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Winnetka.
Learn more about the host city, Winnetka.
Winnetka is a village on Illinois' North Shore, in the Chicagoland region of Illinois.
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