Three Rivers Marathon Swim
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Three Rivers Marathon Swim : August 29, 2026
The Three Rivers Marathon Swim is a roughly 30K open-water event in Pittsburgh, PA, based at Point State Park and the North Shore. It benefits Team Forever and donates event profits to the Forever Fund, which helps local families cover costs associated with infant cardiothoracic surgery at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The event is open for a water start of eight marathon swimmers. Registration opens January 1, 2026.
Course, support and rules
The course covers three rivers with out-and-back 5K segments in each river: Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny. The route includes a water start at the Point State Park fountain, a turn at Brunot Island on the Ohio, a Hot Metal Bridge turnaround on the Monongahela, and a 40th Street Bridge turnaround on the Allegheny, finishing at a buoy at the Point. Swimmers exit the water via a powered escort and return to the North Shore.
Each swimmer is supported by two kayak volunteers and powered escort boats. Feeding is provided from a designated kayak; a second kayak carries additional supplies, and powered escort boats can provide extra water. Pittsburgh River Rescue, local police and the Coast Guard provide event support. Water temperature averages about 72F, conditions are usually calm for the first 10K, and boat traffic or headwinds can affect the later river sections. There is a strict 12-hour cutoff and a 4-hour 10K pace requirement. Swimming attire is a marathon swimming costume. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
