Would You Participate in the Great Ohio River Swim From OH to KY?
Swim in the Ohio River?! I consider myself to be pretty adventurous, but I think I've maybe watched too many episodes of River Monsters over the years for that to sounds appealing in any way. However, if you love to swim, you love to try new things, and aren't too worried about what may be all up in that river water, I may have just the thing for you.
The Great Ohio River Swim has been an annual event since 2007. Swimmers push off from the Serpentile Wall in downtown Cincinnati, swim across the river to Newport's river front, and then back across to finish at the Public Landing. The 900 total meters takes them under the Taylor Southgate Bridge, so the journey is more of a V-shape. It's the largest open water swim across the Ohio River and back. Last year, about 250 people participated.
In 2017, The Great Ohio River Swim was named in honor of Bill Keating Jr. According to the official website,
When we started the Great Ohio River swim in 2007, Bill Keating Jr. was one of the first to sign up. The first year of the swim, Bill won the male swim, but lost the overall title to his daughter, Caroline. Three of his kids and his father swam across the river with Bill over the years. Bill was a big supporter of the swim and throughout the years talked others in joining him. In March of 2017, Bill lost his battle with brain cancer and now we dedicate the river swim to him. His daughter Caroline serves as chair of the Great Ohio River Swim committee.
I love that his own daughter beat him! How funny and sweet. It was a whole family affair and still is. To learn more about Bill and his amazing life and legacy, click here.
Before the race, the river is monitored for debris, water velocity, and is also closed to water traffic on the day of the race. If for some reason the weather is uncooperative or there are waves of unsafe conditions, the course is adjusted to avoid any unfortunate circumstances. There are also professionals from law enforcement, the Coast Guard and "safety paddlers" who follow swimmers in kayaks to keep an eye out for everyone.
Of course, there are different divisions of swimmers. Those who are competing vs. people who just want to say they did it, but don't necessarily care about winning anything. There is even a youth division for 12-17 year olds who are distinguished water enthusiasts.
This Sunday, August 25th is the big day for 2024. Registration fees range from $30 to $50 if you pre-register and are $75 the day of the event. Click here to pre-register and for more information about this epic challenge.
The Great Ohio River Race is a project of the non-profit organization, Adventure Crew whose mission is to connect teens with nature and each other. "Making outdoors for all."
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