BALTIMORE — May 30, 2024
A Maryland native is gearing up for a historic swim in Baltimore’s inner harbor this summer as part of the “Bay-to-Baltimore” event set to make waves in June.
Katie Pumphrey, an ultra-marathon open-water swimmer and Maryland local, has announced her ambitious plan to tackle a 24-mile swim from the Bay Bridge across the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore’s inner harbor. This challenge comes on the heels of the recent “Harbor Splash” event in May, marking the first public swim in four decades.
“The Bay-to-Baltimore swim is, in essence, my personal tribute to Baltimore City,” expressed Pumphrey. “I’m eagerly looking forward to swimming towards Baltimore, my home, and commemorating this significant moment for our city. The thought of being the first documented individual to achieve such a feat in these waters is a dream I’ve nurtured for years.”
The epic swim will kick off at Sandy Point State Park and culminate at the Harborplace amphitheater. The swim is slated to occur between June 24 and 27, with the precise date being determined by favorable weather conditions and optimal swimming circumstances.
Pumphrey will be accompanied by two support boats and a team of six to eight individuals who will take turns assisting her in kayaks and swimming alongside. As Pumphrey approaches the final mile of her journey, Baltimore’s Mr. Trash Wheel will join the convoy as she completes the grueling 24-mile swim.
