In this episode we discuss how Karen Zemlin envisioned, planned and completed a new 22.9 km (14.2 mile) route on Lake Superior, from Isle Royale, Michigan to Pigeon Point, Minnesota in 6 hours and 12 minutes on August 13, 2025. We talk about how this route differs from the already established east and west routes and what makes it an excellent addition to the options for ultraswims in the world’s largest lake. Karen shared with us how the unique geography of the lake contributed to an upwelling as she swam toward shore, resulting in a twenty degree temperature drop down to 46°F (8°C). We learned how she coped with the cold and how her crew supported her in completing the swim safely.

The UltraSwimming Podcast

Marathon Swimmers Federation

Episode 1 - Karen Zemlin, Lake Superior

OCT 13, 202565 MIN
The UltraSwimming Podcast

Episode 1 - Karen Zemlin, Lake Superior

OCT 13, 202565 MIN

Description

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the UltraSwimming Podcast, hosted by Jessica Kieras and Evan Morrison of the Marathon Swimmers Federation. In this episode we discuss how Karen Zemlin envisioned, planned and completed a new 22.9 km (14.2 mile) route on Lake Superior, from Isle Royale, Michigan to Pigeon Point, Minnesota in 6 hours and 12 minutes on August 13, 2025 We talk about how…

Source