Founded in 2012 by Lincoln Park Boat Club as a friendly scrimmage between themselves, Chicago University, and the Chicago Rowing Union - the Chicago River Marathon has become an annual spectacle in which rowers compete head race style for several hours over a full 42.2 km marathon distance on the iconic Chicago River. Starting in Bubbly Creek rowers pass through the city’s historic downtown to Navy Pier, ultimately finishing at the Loomis Avenue Bridge. This year, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, organisers offered only the half-marathon distance - a still considerable 13.1 miles - with only doubles and singles permitted to race.
