Posted: October 9, 2025
Swimming Outside the Lanes: Why I Created My Own Marathon Swim Route Down the Ottawa River
In the summer of 2025, Sarah Dobbin swam an incredible 50 km along the Ottawa River, creating a new marathon route while simultaneously fundraising for Ottawa Riverkeeper and raising awareness about open water swimming. Read about her experience in her own words in this guest blog!
Written by Sarah Dobbin
I’ve loved the water since before I could walk—starting swim lessons at just three months old. I swam competitively through high school and university, and later with various Masters teams. But it wasn’t until the pandemic that I discovered my true passion—swimming in lakes and rivers—was a bona fide sport.
Sarah in the Mighty Kichi Zibi River, May 13, 2025, water 12°C. Photo credit, Sarah Dobbin
My first open water race in 2021 in the mighty Kichi Zibi River, had me hooked. Since then, I’ve embraced everything from ice swimming to marathon distances. Along the way, I found an incredibly supportive community. Hosting casual swims and raising awareness for local water resources became natural ways to give back.
A ‘Meech & Mingle swim night, summer 2025. Sarah has been hosting these events for over three years to create an opportunity to meet other people who love open water swimming. Photo credit, Sarah Dobbin
Inventing My Own Swim
While swims like the English Channel are iconic, they’re also expensive. Without the resources to attempt those, I decided to create my own. The idea formed after extensive training at Britannia and completing a 7.8 km wild swim from Green’s Creek to Petrie Island. I knew the river was clean and swimmable further east. I kept wondering: how much farther could I go? Could I swim all day?
“Fifty!!” was my friend and mentor Susan McKay’s reaction when I texted her my idea to swim 50 kilometres downriver. A seasoned marathon swimmer, she knew exactly what that entailed. Her next message: “And you want me to crew for you?”
I started mapping a route from Parliament Hill to Wendover. I consulted swimmers familiar with that part of the river, studied maps and ferry crossings, and noted emergency exit points.
By September, I was testing the route with my kayaker, Chris and training buddy Louise, swimming it in 10–15 km sections. One area near the Cumberland ferry was nerve-wracking due to the busy Traversier Bourbonnais ferry crossing, but it was the only major hazard.
Training Body and Mind
In January 2025, I created a training plan—starting at 16 km per week in the pool and peaking at 43 km in the pool and open water by mid-July. Weekdays saw swims of 3–6 km, from two to six times a week, and weekends were for long swims up to 20 km. I also added 3–4 strength workouts a week for core and shoulder stability.
I trained mentally, too—practicing presence, breath work, and letting tough thoughts flow past like the current.
Building the Dream Team
Most of the Crew, from left to right, Susan McKay, Ken Martin, Pamela Stewart, Aimee Jones. Photo credit: Chris Horley
No marathon swim is truly solo. I had an amazing crew: Susan and Aimee as observers and logistics leads; Chris and Pam as rotating kayakers, feeding me every 35 minutes; Ken as our boat pilot; and Tom on shore support.
Their belief in me and the swim meant everything.
More of the Crew, Chris Horley. Photo credit: Susan McKay
And the rest of the Crew, Tom Heyerdahl on shore support at Park Du Moulin, Clarence-Rockland. Photo credit: Susan McKay
A Very Long Day (and Night)
On August 21, 2025, we loaded the boat at 5:30 a.m. and headed to the start. After a quick media interview and some goodbyes to friends, I jumped into the golden-lit water at 6:32 a.m.
During a feed. I took short breaks under a minute to feed. I am not allowed to touch the boat. Photo credit: Susan McKay
Around 17 km in, the river turned rough with two-foot waves slamming directly in my face, and my left shoulder—still healing from a previous injury—flared up. I cried. I even hoped the boat would break down so I could stop. But it didn’t, so I kept going. Leaning on my training, I adjusted my stroke and mindset and swam another 15 km pain-free.
At the halfway mark, my crew blasted “Pump Up the Jam” from a ghetto blaster—mini party! I had contacted the ferry company in advance, and as I passed, the boats stopped and tooted their horns in support. It was unforgettable.
I’d hoped to finish by dinner, but I’d misjudged the current. As night fell, I still had a ways to go. Around Cumberland, with another 15km to go, my shoulder started acting up again. It got so painful that I switched from freestyle to breaststroke for the final 4 km. The calm water and Milky Way overhead carried me through.
Sarah swimming in the dark, supported by her kayakers and the Milky Way for inspiration. Photo Credit, Susan McKay
A safe arrival and warm greetings on shore at the Wendover boat launch just before 10:30 pm. Photo credit, Susan McKay
Just before 10:30 p.m., after nearly 16 hours of swimming, I reached Wendover’s boat launch. Media, friends, family—even an eight-year-old swimmer—were there to cheer me in. The township had made a welcome sign! My mom brought lasagna and brownies for the drive home. It was perfect.
More Than a Swim
This swim was more than a physical, mental, and logistical challenge. It gave me strength, perspective, and deep gratitude—for my crew, my community, and especially the river itself. The Kichi Zibi is alive, generous, and worthy of care.
Water is life. Our rivers and lakes are essential resources that belong to everyone. My goal wasn’t just to swim far—it was to connect communities and open a conversation about access, stewardship, and shared responsibility.
With the help of everyone who supported me, and donations big and small, we raised over $16,000 for Ottawa Riverkeeper, whose mission to protect and advocate for the river deeply resonates with me. It was my honour to use this swim to highlight the importance of our shared waters of the mighty Kichi Zibi—and the power of dreaming big in our own backyard.
I was so grateful for the time, support, and community that made this swim and fundraiser possible. Photo credit: Susan McKay
Inspirational!! Well done! ❤️🙌🏼
That is admirable!!
Well-done Sarah! I followed you in the media but the blog tells it all. Open-water swimming is total immersion in the environment, nothing beats the sense of freedom it brings. The Ottawa river and its water quality are under-rated; thanks for putting it in the spotlight!!
A whole side of you that we never knew Sarah! We’re proud to be your friends, Kathy and Frank