Three Rivers Marathon Swim - August 29, 2026
Team Forever will host the 14th Annual Three Rivers Marathon Swim (#3RMS) on Saturday, August 29, 2026. This unique 30K open water swimming event benefits Team Forever, which donates the 3RMS profit to the Forever Fund. The fund benefits local families in need of help to cover the costs associated with infant cardiothoracic surgery at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
The 3RMS will be open for a water start of 8 marathon swimmers. We launch at 7:00AM with powered escorts, kayaking teams and all crew from the North Shore, and head over to “the Point” (Point State Park) where swimmers will begin with a water start from the Point State Park Fountain.
- Swimmers will be fed from a designated kayak. Additional supplies (water/supplements) will be on the second kayak. Should it be required, additional water will be available aboard one of our powered escort boats which will patrol the course during the entire swim.
- Swimmers will have two kayak volunteers to flank them at all times, with information provided in advance to communicate. Swimmers can bring their own kayakers/kayaks with them. Part of the entrance fee goes to cover the kayaks from 3 Rivers Outdoors. They have been kind to provide a discount.
The course involves swimming north, current assist, along 5K of the Ohio River where swimmers will turn around at Brunot Island, and swim 5K, against the current, back to the city. Once swimmers hit the Point State Park 10K mark, they will begin swimming against the current to the half-way point (15K) on the Monongahela River, for the Hot Metal Bridge turnaround point. Swimmers will return to the starting point once again for the 20K mark. Swimmers will make the turn around the Point, and head out against the tide of 5K of the Allegheny River to the 40th Street Bridge, and head back (current assist) the final 5K to the Point (along the city-side of the Allegheny) the original starting point, for a buoy finish. Swimmers will exit the water via a powered escort, and return to the North Shore location.
Distance: Roughly 30K – 10K, out-and-back 5K, in each of the three rivers; (1) Ohio, (2) Monongahela and (3) Allegheny
Format: 2 kayakers/swimmer, powered escort boats and Pittsburgh River Rescue/Pittsburgh Police/Coast Guard in support
Water Temperature: Wide range. Average +/-72F
Water Conditions: Usually calm during first 10K (Ohio River), boat traffic and potential headwinds churn up the Monongahela and the Allegheny Rivers. Overall, current is minimal. Keep in touch with local river conditions (Allegheny River Conditions)
Time Cutoff: Strict 12-hours cut-off. 4-hour 10K pace.
Swimming Attire: Marathon Swimming Costume
This marathon swimming event will not only give hope and encouragement, but will provide the opportunity for families to remain together during the biggest challenges of their lives. Can you handle swimming 30K through the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers?
Darren E. Miller, Race Director
