Hundreds of swimmers will dive into the first open water swim in the Chicago River in almost a century this fall.

The landmark event, set for Sept. 21, will celebrate the city's environmental progress and generate funds for ALD research and youth swim education programs, event organizers said in an announcement Wednesday.

Participating swimmers will navigate a one- or two-mile swim along the main portion of the Chicago River. The route passes "beneath the city's iconic bridges, beginning at the Dearborn Street Bridge, heading east to State Street, then west to Lake Street and concluding near the Clark Street Bridge," organizers said.

Applications for the event are open to the public through 10 p.m. Aug. 11, event organizers said. There is no fee to apply, but prior swim experience is re

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