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
Harrogate Town Unveil New Home Kit for 2026/26 Season
Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour
Governors oppose battery storage site near Knaresborough primary school
Street rangers tackle benches and bird mess on Cambridge Street
Harrogate Cat Rescue issues update on kittens born with genetic condition
Harrogate MP launches campaign to save M&S café on Leeds Road
Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance
