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UPDATE:  On-line registration is now open to solo swimmers and 3-person relays.  Sign up today! 

When?

July 22, 2012.  High tide on race day is predicted to be at 8:41 am.  To avoid the heaviest boat traffic as much as possible, the swim will start at 7:00 am.  Swimmers will be going against the tide for the first 2 hours but after that they should have a nice ride!

 

Who?

The race is being hosted by the

Where?

Race Start

Sellwood Park, SE 7th Ave. & Miller St. in Portland.  

Race Finish

Cathedral Park, N. Edison & Pittsburg Ave. in Portland.

The Course

Approximately 11 miles (17 km) with the current.  Swimmers will enter the water at Sellwood Park, swim South under the Sellwood Bridge, pass around the bridge pylons and swim North along the East side of the river.  The course runs under all 11 of Portland’s Willamette River bridges, through downtown and beyond.  Swimmers will pass under the St. John’s bridge and exit the water via the boat ramp in Cathedral Park.

We're pleased to partner with the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, the oldest Jazz & Blues festival West of the Mississippi.  The festival takes place the same weekend as the 2012 swim, so after you finish the 11 mile race at Cathedral Park, head up the hill for some great free music!

Water temperature is expected to be between 66- 72 degrees Fahrenheit.  Check the current water temperature at the Morrison Bridge.

While the exact route is left to each swimmer, there are some course decisions that are common sense: stay away from high-traffic boat areas such as docks and marina entrances.  Avoid shallow areas.  Swim where the current is strongest.  Here is an exact map of the 2010 route taken by Marisa and Michelle- the short zig-zag lines show when feedings were done. This route is not required, but is a useful template.