Marathon Swim

Scanning the television channels while home on vacation Tuesday, I came across the Running and Racing show from NYC. They covered the Manhattan island Marathon Swim, 28.5 miles around the island of Manhattan. Yes, 28.5 miles of swimming!

Swimmers begin at Battery Park and the Hudson River, swim the East River to the Harlem River, back to the Hudson. The average water temperature is 68, not too bad, wet suits are not allowed. From the course website, here are some "warnings"..."There can be a substantial amount of chop in the water from wind, tide action, and boat traffic. The waterways are salt water and there is shipping traffic. There may be random jetsam and flotsam in the waterways."

The first swimmer (a female) finished in 7:53:54, five seconds ahead of second place. I cannot imagine spending almost 8 hours in the waters around Manhattan. I couldn't sit in a tub for 8 hours. Twenty-four people completed the solo race, taking up to 9 hours.
Swimmers do get the current up the East River and down the Hudson, but still, this is amazing. They also have a kayak for each swimmer, but if you touch the boat you are disqualified. Other warnings include looking out for seaplanes landing, normal boat traffic and dealing with the tides.

I can see Lou trying this on one of his future NYC visits. After all, it beats waiting for a taxi or finding a parking spot!