20 Bridges

45.9 Kilometers

Salt Water

The 20 Bridges Swim, also known as the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, is one of the most iconic urban marathon swims in the world. The route circumnavigates Manhattan Island, passing beneath 20 bridges and covering approximately 28.5 miles (45.9 km) through the tidal waters of New York City.

This swim is defined by its reliance on tide and timing. Swimmers move with the powerful currents of the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers, making precise scheduling essential for success. While currents provide speed, they also demand accurate navigation and sustained focus, as water conditions can change rapidly around bends and bridge structures.

Set against a constantly shifting cityscape, swimmers pass landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, the United Nations, Harlem, and Midtown Manhattan. Completing the 20 Bridges Swim is regarded as a pinnacle achievement in marathon swimming, combining logistical precision, endurance, and the rare experience of swimming around one of the world’s great cities in a single continuous effort.