Swimmers will dive into the Chicago River next month for the first open water swim in 98 years.

The Chicago River Swim, slated for Sept. 21, is expected to include 500 swimmers, raise funds for ALS research and youth swimming education programs, and highlight efforts to improve the environment in the city.

Swimmers will be able to opt for a 1-mile or 2-mile route down the main stem of the river, starting at the Dearborn Street Bridge and ending at Clark Street Bridge. The swim starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m. Spectators will be able to watch the swim along the Riverwalk between Lake Street and Clark Street.

A Long Swim, a Barrington-based organization, is hosting the event, which will benefit ALS research at Northwestern University and swim safety education for children in Chicag

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