Three Rivers Marathon Swim

About the Event

The Three Rivers Marathon Swim returns to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Organized by Team Forever, this unique open water swimming event benefits the local community through its proceeds going directly towards the Forever Fund at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The swim takes place in Point State Park and along the Ohio River, Monongahela River, and Allegheny River.
On race morning, swimmers gather early at 7:00 AM near the fountain at Point State Park for a water start. Kayakers from local outfitters provide support throughout the course, ensuring that each swimmer is accompanied by two volunteers in kayaks equipped with supplies like additional water or supplements. The event relies on powered escort boats patrolling the waters to maintain safety and ensure swimmers are well-supported.
This annual event has run for 14 consecutive years and continues to grow in popularity among marathon swimming enthusiasts. Each year, participants contribute financially by paying a registration fee of $1000 per swimmer, which helps fund infant cardiothoracic surgery costs for families facing financial hardships at UPMC Children’s Hospital.
The course itself is rigorous, covering 30 kilometers across three distinct rivers starting and ending in Point State Park. Swimmers will begin their journey by swimming north along the Ohio River with a current assist before turning around at Brunot Island to swim against the current back towards Pittsburgh. After reaching the Halfway Bridge on the Monongahela River, swimmers turn around again for another leg of 5 kilometers each way in the Allegheny River until they reach their finish point.
Weather conditions vary widely but typically feature calm water temperatures averaging around 72 degrees Fahrenheit and firm to slightly soft trail conditions. The UV index is generally high at a level of seven, indicating strong sunlight exposure that requires swimmers to take precautions against sunburns and dehydration during the event.

30K
30K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $1000.00

Swimmers can register for the Three Rivers Marathon Swim through [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=130922](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=130922). Bib pickup takes place on Friday, August 26th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the North Shore location. Swimmers must bring a valid photo ID and proof of swimming experience. On race day, swimmers should arrive early in Point State Park for an efficient start.
The Three Rivers Marathon Swim is set to take place on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, offering marathon swimmers the challenge of navigating Pittsburgh’s rivers while contributing positively towards a local cause supporting infant health care.

Races Offered

30K

Aug 29, 2026

straighten

Distance — 30K

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:00

sell

$1000.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Pittsburgh.

thermostat Temperature

17.4° / 27.6°

wb_sunny Feels like

17.8° / 27.4°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 19m

water_drop Avg rainfall

2.8 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

8.3 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

High (7.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

70.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:31

nightlight Sunset

20:14

About Pittsburgh

Learn more about the host city, Pittsburgh.

The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage. Pittsburgh has a rich history and, for its size, an unusual array of cultural treasures, largely thanks to the wealth that was generated when Pittsburgh was a hub of industry.