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Hundreds plunge into Chicago River in first open-water swim in nearly a century


About 300 swimmers participated in the event, marveling at the clean water and festive atmosphere. Event organizers say they'll donate $100,000 to ALS research and $50,000 to fund swim lessons for about 2,000 youths at the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center.

About 300 swimmers plunged into the Chicago River on Sunday morning for the first organized open-water swim in almost a century as spectators lined the Dearborn and Clark Street bridges and the Riverwalk. “Reclaiming our river not only creates a recreational space for residents and visitors, but it also puts us on the map, along with other global destinations, where open-water swims have become part of city culture,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said at the 7 a.m. start. Event organizers said the Chicago River is now at its cleanest levels on record, the result of a concerted effort to clean up, improve wastewater management and push for stricter water-quality standards.

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