Portland Bridge Swim

Portland Bridge Swim - Solo Ultramarathon Swim

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026

Location: Portland, OR 97202, US

Price: $375

Start Time: 7:30 AM PDT

Registration Opens: January 1, 2026 at 12:01 AM PST

Race Website: http://www.portlandbridgeswim.com

Event Details

The Portland Bridge Swim is an ultramarathon-distance open water event, covering approximately 11 miles (17 km) along the east side of the Willamette River. The swim starts south of the Sellwood Bridge at Sellwood Riverfront Park and finishes west of the St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park, passing under all 12 of Portland’s bridges.

Water temperature is expected to be between 66–74 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tides & Start Time

The swim starts at 7:30 AM and all swimmers must be out of the water by 3:30 PM. High tide on July 12, 2026 is 3:13 AM, and low tide is at 12:42 PM.

Eligibility & Registration

Open to swimmers over 18 who meet eligibility requirements, including completing a minimum 5000 m/5500 yd swim faster than 1:40 within 3 years. Pool swims are accepted for qualification. Entries must be received by Sunday, July 5, 2026, 4:59 PM Pacific time. The event is limited to the first 100 entrants.

Cancellation Policy

50% refund if canceled up to 60 days prior to race day; no refund if canceled less than 60 days prior.

Rules & Safety

• Swimmers MUST wear provided Safety Tow Buoys (STBs) and latex caps.
• Drafting is prohibited; swimmers must maintain 3 meters distance.
• Propulsive devices and flotation aids may be allowed at the Race Director's discretion for adaptive categories.
• Earphones and snorkels are not allowed.
• Motorized watercraft are not permitted as escorts.
• Swimmers require an escort in a non-motorized craft (kayak, paddleboard) with a life vest.
• Safety boats and medical personnel will be on site.

Cut-Off Times

• Swimmers clearing Fremont Bridge (approx. 5.5 miles) within 4 hours will be stopped if they haven't reached the finish within 7 hours of race start.

Schedule

• 5:30-7:00 AM: Check-in at Sellwood Park
• 6:30 AM: Pre-race meeting
• 7:30 AM: Swim start
• 11:30 AM: Cut-off for swimmers not reaching mile 6
• 2:00 PM: Awards at Cathedral Park
• 3:30 PM: Final cut-off

Awards & Results

All finishers receive a medal. Awards for overall winners and top 3 in each category. Results posted at www.portlandbridgeswim.com.

Contact

Event Directors: Daniela Klaz, [email protected]