Make a splash and raise funds for charity at the annual Swimathon
Swimathon is returning to Melton Mowbray this month with water lovers invited to dive into this popular annual charity fundraiser.
The nationwide challenge takes place at nearly 500 pools and local people are invited to take part at Waterfield Leisure Centre on the weekend of March 21 and 22.
Participants can swim on their own or as part of a team, from 1pm to 4pm, with proceeds going to Cancer Research UK, the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, and Swimathon Foundation.
It is a special event this year because the 2026 edition is the 40th one to be be held across the nation.
Since 1986, more than 750,000 participants have taken part in the UK and they’ve raised over £55M for good causes.
Children are welcome to take part as well as adults.
Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon president, Duncan Goodhew, commented: "It’s incredible to think that, for 40 years, Swimathon has brought people together to enjoy the benefits of swimming and raise extraordinary sums for charity.
"Its success is testament to the loyal participants who return year after year, and to the new generation of swimmers now taking up the baton.
“To everyone in Leicestershire who has been part of our journey: thank you.”
Swimathon offers a variety of individual challenges from 500m up to a supercharged Triple 5k or teams of two to five people can take part in a 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k relay.
Anyone who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon and choose a distance, time and venue that suits to complete their swim between March 1 and 31.Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Leicestershire, Paula Young, said: “With new technologies opening doors to new discoveries, we’re living in a golden age of cancer research.
"Every length swum will help bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
"That’s why we’re urging first-timers and seasoned swimmers alike to take the plunge and be part of Swimathon’s extraordinary legacy.
"Together we can power the next wave of cancer breakthroughs.”
Go to swimathon.org for more details and to sign up.