Join the world's biggest charity swim 🥇

Published: Thu, 01/22/26

Updated: Thu, 01/22/26

Dear Swimmer

Do you remember doing sponsored swims as a child? If you’re young enough, it may have been a Swimathon.

The world’s biggest annual pool-based fundraising swim is back in 2026 and will be celebrating 40 years since its inaugural event. It will unite thousands of swimmers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in indoor and outdoor pools across the UK.

From offering us a unique chance to do a swim event with our families, to helping us train for open water events this summer, we're excited about Swimathon 2026.

So, we asked the organisers what makes it such a brilliant event for connecting communities and celebrating swimming as it should be: inclusive, joyful, and life-changing.

They also gave us an exclusive discount. Sign up before March 13th using the code OSMSWIM5 for an individual, or OSMSWIMTEAM5 for a team to get £5 off your entry fee. Plus, under 18s are free when you sign up before February 12^th.

COMPANY AND COMMUNITY

When we've taken part in Swimathon, one of the main things we've noticed is the how inclusive and flexible it is. Anyone who can swim 500 meters and loves being in the water can take part, regardless of age, experience, or ability*.

You can also pick distances from 400m to 5k, swim solo or as part of a team relay, or take part virtually. There are 450 pools to choose from across the UK – and 13 of these are open air pools.

Swim during the main event weekend to make the most of the atmosphere, or take part through MySwimathon at a time and location that works for you. It’s about swimming at your own pace, enjoying the mental and physical benefits, and sharing support with the wider community.

*Please note that participation may depend on individual requirements and venue accessibility. Swimathon events are organised by pool operators and access will vary from site to site.

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FUN AND FUNDRAISING

Taking part in Swimathon is great fun, but you also swim knowing that every length, every stroke goes beyond the pool.

Since 1986, Swimathon participants have raised an incredible £55million for a variety of nominated charities. Take part this year, and you’ll be raising vital funds for the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research, Cancer Research UK, and the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, as well as Swimathon Foundation.

There’s something very powerful about sharing your experience of being part of a huge, UK-wide community effort with thousands of others who believe that small personal challenges can lead to big change.

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LONGEVITY AND LEGACY

We all know about the physical and mental health benefits of swimming, like better cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and stress reduction. And that’s one of the things we love about Swimathon – that it supports people who might not otherwise do swim events to take part.

It has such an amazing history and strong legacy in promoting swimming participation and making a difference in the wider community. We think that’s pretty wonderful.

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