Swimmers across Harrogate are being urged to make a splash for good causes this spring by signing up for Swimathon 2025.
The sponsored event – the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim – is returning to pools across North Yorkshire from 28th-30th March, including Harrogate Leisure Centre And Wellness Centre and Knaresborough Leisure Centre And Wellness Centre.
Swimmers of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to take the plunge and raise money for Cancer Research UK, the end of life charity Marie Curie and Swimathon Foundation.
There’s a variety of individual challenges to choose from - from 400m up to a supercharged Triple 5k – or teams of 2-5 people can take part in a 1.5k or 5k relay.
Anyone who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon and, between 21st March–6th April, choose a distance, time and venue that suits them to play their part and complete their swim.
Swimathon President and Olympic gold medallist, Duncan Goodhew MBE, hopes to inspire people to enjoy the benefits of swimming, while making a real difference to people across the UK.
He said:
“Every year at Swimathon I meet incredible people with incredible stories; those who are swimming for the first time, those that are swimming in memory of a loved one, those that are swimming unimaginable distances, those that are recovering from cancer, or those that are facing a terminal illness - and I know this year will be no different.
"Everyone has their own story and everyone can set their own Swimathon challenge. You just have to be you; whatever your ability, whatever your age, whatever your drive. To me, everyone is a Swimathon star!”
Since 1986, when Swimathon started as an initiative to increase the number of people swimming at local authority pools, more than 750,000 swimmers have taken part raising over £55 million for a variety of nominated charities.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for North Yorkshire, Lisa Millett, said:
“Swimathon is such a great way to encourage people to dip their toe in the water and get swimming.
“It really doesn’t matter if you’re not the fittest or the fastest, because there’s no greater motivation for taking part than helping to support causes that are close to the hearts of so many.
“Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but, through challenges like Swimathon, all of us can help beat it.
“That’s why we’re urging swimmers to grab their caps and costumes, raise money and help our scientists to keep making new discoveries and breakthroughs.
“Together, we are beating cancer.”
National Events Manager for Marie Curie, Hannah Grant, said:
“Swimathon is a fun and family friendly way for people to take on a new challenge and raise money for a good cause.
“Every five minutes, someone in the UK dies without the care they need. No matter what your ability, just by heading down to your local pool this March you can raise money to help Marie Curie continue to bring expert palliative and end of life care to more people, whatever their illness.”
Five or 10 week training plans are available for all challenges on the Swimathon website. Sign up now at swimathon.org
Pilot dies following aircraft crash near Masham, police confirm
Ripon's Portly Pig to host charity football tournament
Council to review parking charges across North Yorkshire
Free packed lunches at Starbeck café feed families in need
Harrogate dentist recognised at national dental awards
Knaresborough beeswax candle shop set to close
Harrogate Town launches new half-time crossbar challenge
Queen and ABBA tribute acts to headline Harrogate Beer Festival
Ripon entrepreneur to appear on Dragon's Den
Harrogate figures to be 'jailed' to raise money for Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate bookshop named as finalist for British Book Awards
Council update on operator of Alpamare water park
Visitor levy would be mayor's decision, says senior councillor
Date announced for return of Harrogate dog show
Harrogate's Italian community donates sensory kits worth £1,200 to Harrogate Hospital
Man taken to Leeds General infirmary following aircraft crash in Masham
Six arrested following car theft in Harrogate
FULL CHAT: Local occupational therapist hosts online masterclass to support new mums
Harrogate businesses reject new accommodation BID proposal
New interior showroom to open on Albert Street
