Swim Yourself Proud with the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Swimathon 2016
Swimathon 2014 Event, London Aquatics Centre
Swimathon is set to be bigger and better than ever before as we welcome back Sport Relief as official charity partner. From Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March 2016, thousands of people will take part in over 600 hosting pools around the UK to swim themselves proud.
Registration is open now, and for a limited period you will be able to get 50% off* your entry!
Not sure if it’s for you yet? Here’s five reasons why you won’t regret jumping in to Swimathon in 2016.
One: There’s a challenge for everyone. No matter what your level of ability or confidence, with the Swimathon distance challenges you will be able to find the right one for you. Individual challenges can be taken on at 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k distances. Or if you’d like to share the distance amongst friends or family members Team challenges are available at either 1.5k or 5k.
Two: You’ll be doing something amazing for a wonderful cause. Whatever distance you choose, on your own or as a team, the money you raise for Sport Relief will help to transform lives. In fact, half of all the money raised by the public is spent right here in the UK, with the other half used to make a difference in the world’s poorest countries.
Three: We’re going all out in 2016 with our flagship events! This year we’re hosting six very special Swimathon events, which will take place in six major UK cities. If you live near Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Norwich or Sheffield, enter an event and swim yourself proud for your city!
At the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games flagship locations you will be able to join thousands of people taking on the Mile and the Cycle, as well as the Swimathon. What’s more, there will be tons of entertainment laid on in the city’s Event Village for you to celebrate your achievement!
Four: Haven’t taken on a swimming challenge in a while (or ever)? Fear not. You’re not alone in this! We have everything you need to help you reach your goal on event weekend, whether that’s a sub 1.5hr 5k swim or just finishing the 1.5k.
With training plans from Millfield School Head Coach, Jolyon Finck, and top tips from Swimathon Ambassador and Olympic gold-medallist, Duncan Goodhew, you’re in the best possible hands.
Five: Swimathon is the perfect motivation. Your Swimathon 2016 challenge gives you a clear target to work towards, and a set timeline in which you need to prepare. What better motivation could there be to get in the pool and start making headway in achieving your target?
But we don’t expect you to just take our word for it. Here’s five more reasons from our incredible participants and those that make Swimathon such a special event.
“I love Swimathon because it gives people a goal to train for, an extra reason to get in the pool and above all else it helps to raise money for a truly fantastic cause.” – Duncan Goodhew, Olympic gold-medallist and Swimathon Ambassador
“Me and my team are so happy that we chose to do Swimathon because it was doing something we loved to raise money for a charity we love! We had an amazing day, it was such a blast!” – Steph, Team 5k at Hillsborough Leisure Centre
“It’s great to see the amount of people participating in Swimathon. It’s such a good cause to challenge yourself for, and it brings great energy throughout. Swimathon creates a whole new atmosphere for the centre, encouraging occasional swimmers and little kids to take on the challenge.” – Dean, Swimathon Event Manager at Cardiff International Pool
“Best event I have ever done! My first 5k swim and I am so pleased, proud and happy that I did it and raised lots of money too!” – Theresa, Individual 5k at Plymouth Life Centre
“It’s been a fantastic event, we’ve seen over 120 people taking part, lots of great stories of people who are challenging themselves for a great cause, and families coming down on the day to support them. Definitely a great atmosphere throughout!” – Aimee, Swimathon Event Manager at Liverpool
To find out more about the event go to Swimathon.org, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
*Half price entry applies to a limited number of online entries submitted and paid for by 21st December 2015. See terms and conditions