The Course
30K. Three Rivers. One Point.
Roughly 30K — a 10K out-and-back in each of the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, all starting and finishing at Point State Park.
Race day
How the day runs
We launch at 7:00 AM with powered escorts, kayaking teams and all crew from the North Shore, and head over to “the Point” (Point State Park) where swimmers begin with a water start from the Point State Park fountain.
The 3RMS is open for a water start of 8 marathon swimmers.
- Feeding. Swimmers are fed from a designated kayak. Additional supplies (water/supplements) ride on the second kayak. Should it be required, additional water is available aboard one of our powered escort boats, which patrol the course during the entire swim.
- Kayak support. Swimmers have two kayak volunteers flanking them at all times, with communication information provided in advance. Swimmers can bring their own kayakers and kayaks. Part of the entrance fee covers kayaks from 3 Rivers Outdoors, who have been kind enough to provide a discount.
- Finish. Swimmers exit the water via a powered escort and return to the North Shore location.
Leg by leg
The course
The Ohio River
Swimmers head north, current assist, along 5K of the Ohio River, turn around at Brunot Island, and swim 5K back against the current to the city. Guide boats escort swimmers across the middle of the river twice; the rest of the leg is run along the bank. Usually the calmest water of the day. Watch the sandbar at Brunot Island.
The Monongahela River
At the Point State Park 10K mark swimmers turn into the Mon and swim against the current to the halfway point (15K) at the Hot Metal Bridge turnaround, then return to the starting point for the 20K mark. Stay on the city-side bank. Red buoys sit on the opposite side for the first three bridges — commercial traffic stays clear of them, so hugging the wall matters. Lunch is handed off from the flag at the Point.
The Allegheny River
Swimmers make the turn around the Point and head out against the current for 5K of the Allegheny to the 40th Street Bridge, then ride the current assist for the final 5K back down the city side of the Allegheny to the Point for a buoy finish. This is the fastest flow of the day on the way back and the slowest on the way up. River traffic is at its highest, the sun sets into your eyes, and power boats guide swimmers in past the Sister Bridges.
The details
Format, conditions & rules
Distance
Roughly 30K — 10K, out-and-back 5K, in each of the three rivers: (1) Ohio, (2) Monongahela and (3) Allegheny.
Format
Two kayakers per swimmer, powered escort boats, and Pittsburgh River Rescue / Pittsburgh Police / Coast Guard in support.
Water temperature
Wide range. Average +/– 72°F.
Water conditions
Usually calm during the first 10K on the Ohio. Boat traffic and potential headwinds churn up the Monongahela and the Allegheny. Overall, current is minimal. Keep in touch with local river conditions.
Time cutoff
Strict 12-hour cutoff, a 4-hour 10K pace. Safety is the most important aspect of any marathon swim. Twilight begins to set in after the 12-hour mark, the Allegheny can be very busy, and swimmers need to be visible.
Swimming attire
Marathon swimming costume.
Friends & family
Where to watch
There is no room for family and friends on the escort boats. Past participants have rented a boat for the day to follow along — tiki boat and pedal boat rentals both operate on the rivers. From land:
Point State Park
The start, the 10K and 20K marks, the 28K mark, and the finish. You can walk the river trail the whole way to follow swimmers in.
Rivers Casino
Roughly the 8K mark on the Ohio leg.
Convention Center
Roughly the 23K mark on the Allegheny leg.
Redfin Blues
View of the 25K turnaround buoy. You have to eat there to have the view.
Pre-race meeting point, parking and hotel information: to be added