British Swimmer Completing Epic Hudson River Journey to Raise Awareness
British endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh is on the verge of an extraordinary achievement: conquering the entire 315-mile length of the Hudson River, from its source in the Adirondack Mountains to its end in New York City. The 53-year-old athlete is sending a clear message about the vital role rivers play in sustaining our planet.
Pugh is set to conclude his monthlong expedition this Wednesday at the southern tip of Manhattan. Throughout his remarkable journey, he has faced physical fatigue, sore shoulders, and navigated around tugboats and floating debris, all while emphasizing the importance of clean rivers.
The Hudson River meanders through pristine forests and cascades over rocky terrain in the Adirondack Mountains before mellowing into a slow-flowing waterway closer to New York City. Pugh’s determination to swim its entire length is evident as he covers approximately 10 miles each day.
Speaking about the river, Pugh stated, “There is no other river in the whole world where at the source, you’ve got beavers, you’ve got bears, you’ve got vultures. And then at the end, you come underneath the George Washington Bridge and you breathe to your left-hand side and you see these amazing skyscrapers.”
Pugh, hailing from Plymouth, England, is no stranger to ambitious swims, having previously completed a 76-mile swim across the Red Sea and a 328-mile journey along the English Channel. However, his Hudson River swim stands out for its significance.
While Christopher Swain swam the Hudson in 2004 wearing a wetsuit, Pugh opted for a Speedo, a testament to his endurance and determination. His journey also comes with unique challenges, such as navigating the Hudson estuary, a section affected by tides from New York Harbor to above Albany. Wind and choppy waters make progress difficult, as he compared it to driving on a rough dirt road.
Starting from Lake Tear of the Clouds on Mount Marcy on August 13, Pugh encountered shallow sections in the Adirondacks, prompting him to run along the riverbanks. Fast-flowing segments with rocky terrain added complexity to the journey.
Pugh’s support team closely follows him in an inflatable boat and a kayak. The swimmer takes precautions by using antiseptic mouthwash, surgical soap, and earplugs, given the less-than-pristine water quality.
Decades ago, the Hudson River was notorious for pollution, with industrial chemicals, discarded tires, and sewage runoff marring its reputation. However, efforts such as cleanups and stricter regulations have gradually transformed it into a popular spot for kayaking, sailing, and swimming, although sewage overflows remain an issue during heavy rains.
Pugh acknowledges that more work is needed, but he sees the Hudson River as a powerful example of a waterway’s potential for recovery. As he prepares to emerge from the water at Manhattan’s Battery Park, Pugh aims to deliver a message of hope: that rivers worldwide, whether in Britain, France, India, or China, can be restored and protected.