First Catalina Channel Crossing

FeatPioneer EraUSA

George Young won the 1927 Wrigley Ocean Marathon, the only finisher

Overview

The 1927 Wrigley Ocean Marathon offered prize money to swim about 32 km from Catalina Island to the California mainland. Canadian teenager George Young finished in about 15 hours 45 minutes, while two rivals were pulled from the water within sight of shore. His win opened the channel to generations of marathon swimmers.

Related Entries