Olympians urge swimmers to sign up to Swimathon and make a splash for charity

Team GB swimming heroes Mark Foster and Duncan Goodhew are urging people to sign up to Swimathon 2019.

Foster, the former World, European and Commonwealth champion, who set eight world records during a glittering career, is supporting the campaign, alongside Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew, the president of Swimathon.

The world’s biggest annual swimming fundraiser is raising cash for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie and takes place over the weekend of 29-31 March – and people can sign up now.

Designed intentionally so people of all swimming abilities can participate, there are a variety of distances available as individual challenges – 400m, 1.5k, 2.5k, 5k and the new Triple 5k. There are also 1.5k and 5k swims available as team challenges for family, friends or colleagues to take on.

Something for everyone

Foster said: “I’m very proud to be supporting Swimathon 2019 and I hope everyone looking to set themselves a challenge for 2019 signs up. Whether you’re just learning or are an experienced swimmer already, there’s a challenge for you.

“Swimming is fantastic for your health and wellbeing as it helps to keep fit. As you train, you build stamina and speed and, as it’s a low impact sport, the chances of injury are low. It’s also good for recovery if you’re coming back from injury.”

Goodhew added: “It has been a real joy to see Swimathon develop and mature into the great event it is today. Having started back in 1986, we surpassed the £50m milestone last year, which was a massive achievement, and we’re hoping to continue to raise more money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie this year.

“Swimathon really gives everyone a chance to get active with friends and family, whilst doing some good at the same time. I am so proud that Swimathon gives so many people the chance to enjoy the water, get swimming and set themselves a challenge.”

Last year, Swimathon raised £2.1million, and is aiming to raise further vital funds this time around. Since Swimathon started 33 years ago, more than 700,000 swimmers have dived into more than 1,000 different pools across the UK, raising more than £50million for different charities.