Swim England

A nation swimming

Take to the pool for charity and sign up for Swimathon 2023

Olympic swimming legends Duncan Goodhew MBE and Mark Foster are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to sign up for Swimathon 2023.

Foster, the former World, European and Commonwealth champion, and recent inductee into the Swim England Hall of Fame is supporting the campaign, alongside Olympic gold medallist Goodhew who is Swimathon’s President.

Swimathon is the world’s largest annual fundraising swim and between 12-14 May more than 450 swimming pools across the United Kingdom are taking part to help raise money for Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK.

Designed so those of any ability can take part, swimmers are able to choose to swim a number of distances ranging from 400m’s to the triple 5k or the 30.9k challenge – which is all the other distances combined.

There are also team swims where up to six teammates can join up with their friends, family and colleagues.

Swim England members will receive an exclusive discount code to sign up for Swimathon, with prices starting at just £7.50 and for a limited time only it’s completely free for U16s!

Members should have receive their discount code via email today.

To receive more exclusive discounts and a number of other benefits you can sign up for Swim England’s Just Swim membership here.

For non-members prices start at £9.75 per person until Early Bird Tickets end on January 31.

“A truly inclusive event”

On the launch of the 2023 event Goodhew said: “I swim every single day without fail and I will never stop championing this sport.

“The positive impact that it has both physically and mentally is undeniable, and that’s why I’m so keen about promoting Swimathon as a way of showcasing swimming as a fun, accessible, and exhilarating form of exercise.

“Swimathon itself is a truly inclusive event. You don’t need to be the fastest swimmer, you just need try your best and enjoy yourself, whilst fundraising for two important charities who advocate for the most vulnerable in society.

“There’s a lot of pressure during the New Year about giving things up, but why not take something up instead? New Year is a great time to jump into a new challenge, so head down to the pool and see how swimming can change your life.

“There are so many different distances and ways to swim and there are challenges for every level of swimmer so if you enjoy swimming, want to raise money for amazing causes, and enjoy a challenge then sign up to Swimathon!”

Foster added: “Swimathon is a fantastic event because everyone can take part. Swimming is an accessible and low impact sport that also has proven mental health benefits.

“That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to head down to their local pool to take on the Swimathon challenge and raise money for end-of-life charity Marie Curie and for Cancer Research UK.”

Since its inception in 1986, over 700,000 people have taken part in Swimathon with more than £52 million has been raised for various charities.

You can now sign up for this year’s Swimathon with Early Bird Tickets ending on January 31 before a final entries close on May 2.

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