A Long Swim
- Date
- August 9, 2026
- Location
- 899 Tower Road, Winnetka, IL
- Distance
- 5K Swim · 2.4 Mile Swim · 1.2 Mile Swim & more
From the Organizer
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, A Long Swim includes distances for all swimmers from beginners to advanced. Safety provided by lifeguards and boats throughout the course. Loops keep the guards close by at every turn.
Chicago River Swim 2027 Qualifier!! Looking to up your game and join A Long Swim at the Chicago River Swim in September 2027? Finishing the 1.2, 2.4 and 5K distances qualify you to apply for the Chicago River Swim in 2027.
A Long Swim is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Chicago, Illinois that designs and manages open water swimming events raising funds for ALS collaborative world-class research.
Every registration includes: A Long Swim Swag ( Short Sleeve Exclusive A Long Swim Shirt), branded race swim cap, breakfast, and a good time.
Professionally timed and distances offered:
5K
2.4 miles
1.2 miles
1500 meters
750 meters
Fundraising Opportunities: Everyone has a chance to fundraise. Those raising $500 will receive a A Long Swim Stanley 30 ounce tumbler. Raising $1000 will receive a Speedo A Long Swim Backpack and raising $2000 all the goodies and an A Long Swim custom Kijaro fold-up bag chair.
A Long Swim - RACE DAY DETAILS
Swimmer Check -in
Check-in for all pre-registered swimmers and event day registration will begin at Tower Road Beach at 6:00 a.m. You will receive your timing chip, body marking, official swim cap, and A Long Swim Swag.
Event Day Registration
A $15 premium will be added to anyone registering event day morning. Check, Cash, or Credit Card will be accepted.
Wetsuits
Wetsuits are welcome. Anything that will keep you happy in the water is fine with us!
Conditions: You are swimming in Lake Michigan and conditions can change hourly. Update on temperature and conditions will be sent out 24 hours prior to the event.
Parking: Free parking is available at Lloyd Park (799 Sheridan Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093) just south of Tower Road Beach (899 Sheridan Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093).
A shuttle bus will drive swimmers, spectators, staff and volunteers from Lloyd Park to Tower Road Park. If Lloyd Park lots are full, overflow parking is at the Winnetka Metra Station Lot on the corner of Elm Street and Green Bag Road. The shuttle will also operate at this location.
Spectators: This is a great event to spectate. Many laps to cheer on your swimmer. Plus a great beach to hang out in.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
83°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Chicago Botanic Garden, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Winnetka, IL
Population
12,508
as of 2023
Elevation
622 ft
Nearest Airport
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 12 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at A Long Swim, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Swimming races near Winnetka, IL
J-HAWK JUNE/JULY PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS
71 miles away
Swim Neshonoc
209 miles away
Central Illinois Open Water Swim
121 miles away
Open Water Swim CHICAGO
18 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Swimming events drop you into something that demands navigation, feel, and focus all at once. It's a sport that rewards the quietly competitive — the ones who do the work in the water before anyone's watching.
Open Water Swimming
Open water races from 1 mile to marathon distance. Just you, the water, and whatever you've got left.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the A Long Swim?
- A Long Swim is a swimming race held in Winnetka, Illinois on August 9, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more swimming races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the A Long Swim?
- Sunday, August 9, 2026 in Winnetka, Illinois at 899 Tower Road, Winnetka, IL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the A Long Swim?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
A Long Swim
Aug 9, 2026