NEW YORK, NY · JUNE
20 Bridges Manhattan Training Plan
A free open-water swim plan for the 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan, written by an AI coach around the event and the fitness you have now. It adapts every week as you log your training. Free account, no card.
- Formats
- 28.5 miles
- Sport
- Open-water swimming
- Usually held
- Each June
- Until race day
- ~38 weeks
Build your 20 Bridges Manhattan plan
The instant browser builder only plans running races, so a open-water swim plan comes from the coach itself. It opens with the 20 Bridges Manhattan already filled in (estimated for June until the date is announced), asks about your week and your current fitness, and writes every session. Free account (or start as a guest), no card. You are about 38 weeks out.
Start your 20 Bridges Manhattan plan20 Bridges Manhattan distances
- 28.5 miles28.5 mi
The 20 Bridges Manhattan course
A counter-clockwise circumnavigation of Manhattan Island through three tidal straits: the East River, the Harlem River and the Hudson River, passing under 20 bridges. Swims start in the water at either Pier A in Battery Park or Mill Rock on the Upper East Side, depending on tides and daylight.
Race-day conditions
The organizer notes water temperatures in October can be as low as 60 F.
What to train for
This is a marathon swim, so build weekly volume toward multiple swims of 5 hours or longer and practice feeding from a boat. Acclimate to cooler water and to swimming with tidal assistance and against it.
Registration and official details: 20 Bridges Manhattan official siteRace facts checked against the official site on September 19, 2026.
20 Bridges Manhattan training questions
How long should I train for the 20 Bridges Manhattan?
Most athletes give a open-water swim eight to sixteen weeks of focused training on top of an existing base. The coach counts back from your actual race date, so if you have less time than that it builds the best plan the remaining weeks allow rather than pretending you have longer.
What is the 20 Bridges Manhattan course like?
A counter-clockwise circumnavigation of Manhattan Island through three tidal straits: the East River, the Harlem River and the Hudson River, passing under 20 bridges. Swims start in the water at either Pier A in Battery Park or Mill Rock on the Upper East Side, depending on tides and daylight.
How cold is the water at the 20 Bridges Manhattan?
The organizer notes water temperatures in October can be as low as 60 F.
Do I need an account to get a 20 Bridges Manhattan training plan?
Yes, a free one. The instant browser builder only plans running races, so a open-water swim plan comes from the coach itself. You can start as a guest and save the account later. No card, and the plan adapts every week as you log your training.