What is Swimathon Foundation?

  • Swimathon Foundation is a registered charity, and owns the annual national Swimathon, Open Water Swimathon, School Swimathon and Marathon Swims campaigns. Through the staging of these campaigns, the Foundation encourages members of the public – in their tens of thousands each year – to take part in swimming and to raise vital funds for charity. Its current charity partners are Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK.

  • Swimathon Foundation is managed by a board of Trustees, who bring with them a wealth of experience and professional competence, as well as a genuine passion for swimming and charitable fundraising. Find out more about each of the Trustees here.

  • The majority of the funds raised by Swimathon participants and members of the public (at least 70%) go to the chosen principal charity beneficiaries. The remaining percentage is used by Swimathon Foundation to fund its own operating and administrative costs in keeping its events and activities available to the general public to participate in and enjoy the benefits of swimming.

  • The selection process is by invitation only and the choice of charity is the decision of the Swimathon Foundation Trustees. The current charity beneficiaries are currently contracted to remain as beneficiaries until the 2024 event.

  • Swimathon Foundation is a charity registered at the Charities Commission, no.1123870.

  • You can view Swimathon Foundation’s Annual report here.

 
 
Swimathon Foundation Events

  • Swimathon is a mass participation pool-based swimming and fundraising event, held in 400+ pools across the UK, taking place on 5-7 May 2023. With distances on offer from 400m to 30.9k, Swimathon is designed to suit all levels of fitness, ability and age, and participants are encouraged to fundraise for its two charity partners, Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie. Find out more about this campaign by visiting the Swimathon website.

  • School Swimathon is a swimming programme for school children, encouraging them to improve technique and confidence, culminating in a challenge to swim further than ever before.

    Participating schools use their national curriculum weekly swim lessons throughout the school terms to improve pupils' swimming ability. This will build up to a final session where pupils will challenge themselves to swim further than ever before. Find out more about this campaign by visiting the School Swimathon website.

    The Swimathon Foundation will update this page once the dates have been confirmed.

  • Marathon Swims is an annual competitive event taking place at the London Aquatics Centre, aimed in particular at serious ultra-distance swimmers. The pinnacle distance is the Marathon distance (10k), with Half Marathon Swim (5k) and 1k challenge on offer too. Find out more about this campaign by visiting the Marathon Swims website.

    The Swimathon Foundation will update this page once the dates have been confirmed.

  • Open Water Swimathon is an annual competitive event where you can take on the event at an organised session or in your own time. Whether you’re dipping your toe into the water or a seasoned outdoor swimmer, there’s something for you.

    The Swimathon Foundation will update this page once the dates have been confirmed.