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GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
The Swim Around Manhattan is a marathon open water swim circumnavigating Manhattan Island. Swimmers navigate approximately 28.5 miles around Manhattan, up the East and Harlem rivers, and down the Hudson River, with the assistance of tidal currents and professional support crews.
The full course is approximately 28.5 miles, though GPS distances may vary slightly depending on navigation to optimize the use of the tidal assist, and conditions.
The event is typically held during the summer when water temperatures and tidal conditions are most favorable.
No. The Swim Around Manhattan is an endurance challenge and personal achievement swim. The duration of the circumnavigation is unique to each swim and impacted by swimmer speed, the tidal currents and weather conditions.
REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY
The swim is intended for experienced open water swimmers with marathon swim experience and strong endurance backgrounds.
Yes. Swimmers need to demonstrate prior open water experience, including longer-distance swims and cold-water competency. Qualification swims may be required.
Participants must be 18 years or older unless specifically approved by event organizers.
Swimmers apply for available dates. Successful applicants will receive a swim date and a request to register to secure their slot.
Field size is limited by the number of tide cycles favorable to complete the swim during the day (night swims are only available to swimmers with prior night swimming experience), and the availability of a safety crew. The season is limited by water temperature, with favorable temperature expected early June to mid September.
SWIM CONDITIONS
Water temperatures are typically in the mid-60s to low-70s °F | 18-23 °C but can vary depending on weather and tides.
No. The Swim Around Manhattan follows generally accepted marathon swimming rules which do not allow wetsuits. Only goggles, a traditional bathing suit, and an URBANSWIM swim cap are permitted.
Completion times vary based on tides, currents, and swimmer pace. Most swimmers finish within approximately 7–10 hours.
The waterways around Manhattan are monitored regularly and conditions are assessed prior to the swim. Water quality can vary based on rainfall and environmental conditions.
The swim is heavily influenced by tides and currents. Strategic timing allows swimmers to benefit from favorable currents throughout much of the course.
SAFETY AND SUPPORT
Swimmer and participant safety is the top priority for URBANSWIM. We are very proud of our 100% safety record since inception. Every event is planned to ensure this continues. You will be accompanied by a highly experienced and specialized team for the duration of your swim.
Yes. You will have an escort kayak and a motorboat. The motorboat includes shade, a cabin, a head, a refrigerator, electricity, and ample room for your safety team and a crew person of your choice.
Event organizers may delay, shorten, modify, or cancel the swim if conditions are deemed unsafe due to weather, water quality, vessel traffic, or other hazards.
Yes. Swimmers may rest while remaining in the water. The Swim Around Manhattan adheres strictly to the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Rules and Regulations for Marathon Swimming (see HERE). Under these rules swimmers resting may not touch any support equipment while resting.
FEEDING AND NUTRITION
Yes. Swimmers typically feed at regular intervals determined before the swim.
Swimmers should bring all personal nutrition, hydration, and feeding supplies they plan to use during the event.
Feeds must be delivered according to event rules and safety protocols. This typically means coordinating your feeding plan with your personal crew member and kayaker, and following a delivery method that ensures you do not touch any physical support equipment during feeds.
RULES AND SWIM STANDARDS
Yes. The event follows established marathon swimming standards, and is fully documented with a signed Observer log, live tracking, independently verifiable GPS records, and video/photographic coverage of the entire swim. The World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) has reviewed this procedure and documentation, and is satisfied that it meets their ratification criteria.
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The only permitted items are goggles, traditional swim suit, and an URBANSWIM swim cap.
Yes. Official finish times and completion status are recorded by the designated Observer, who keeps a physical log and stopwatch start and finish times. This official timing is corroborated with duplicate GPS tracking logs for each swim.
Finishers receive a certificate of completion, publication of results, a set of high-end professional photographs capturing the excitement and achievement of the day, and other commemorative items.
LOGISTICS
The traditional start and finish location is Pier A at the southern tip of Manhattan. Detailed logistics are provided during an in person briefing before the event.
Friends and family can follow real-time online tracking on event day, and may be able to follow portions of the swim from shoreline viewing areas.
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from marina for pick up and drop off before and after the event.
Recommended items typically include:
TRAINING AND PREPARATION
Training should include:
Yes. The Swim Around Manhattan is a serious endurance challenge requiring physical and mental preparation. Swimmers need to provide proof of relevant marathon swimming experience as part of the application process.
CONTACT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reach out to us directly at [email protected].
Follow URBANSWIM on social media (@urbanswim) and check the official website (urbanswim.com) regularly for announcements