Swimathon banner that says challenge accepted, with a smiling swimmer alongside the Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie logos.Swimathon banner that says challenge accepted, with a smiling swimmer alongside the Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie logos.

Welcome to the 40th Anniversary Swimathon!

Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March 2026 at 450+ pools across the UK 

Since 1986, Swimathon has united swimmers of all ages, abilities, shapes, and sizes in a national celebration of swimming and fundraising. In 2026, we proudly mark 40 years of this iconic event — and we’re hugely grateful you’ll be part of it! 

From a solo 500m challenge to the Team 5k, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're taking your first strokes or swimming for a personal best, it’s all about having fun and achieving your goals — all while supporting vital causes. 

Getting started

Follow these easy steps to get started:

Registration icon.

Step 1: Register for your swim

Sign up quickly and easily! Click the button below to register.

Enter now
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Step 2: Claim your page

After registering, you'll get an email to claim and personalise your JustGiving page - just click the link.

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Step 3: Spread the word

Share your JustGiving page to spread the word—more shares mean more donations!

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Step 4: Start swimming!

Swim and fundraise to receive rewards. Raise £1000 for entry to our prize draw.

Fundraising tips

Supporting Charities That Matter

Over the last four decades, Swimathon has raised over £50 million for charities. In 2026, we’re proud to support:

Cancer Research UK logo overlaid on photo of smiling swimmers.

Cancer Research UK is the largest charitable funder of cancer research in the world and will stay at the forefront of the global fight against cancer. 1 in 2 of us will get cancer. All of us can support the research that will beat it.

Find out more
Marie Curie logo overlaid on photo of smiling swimmers.

Marie Curie is here for people with any terminal illness, and those close to them – from diagnosis to bereavement. Our nurses and healthcare assistants support families directly across the UK. Our free support line can help with any question about end of life. And we campaign for structural change and fund vital research that improves end of life for everyone.

Find out more

Funding community swim projects across the UK

Together, we can make waves of change. We encourage all swimmers to share their stories and inspire others to dive in and make a difference.

Photo from behind a swimmer wearing a swim cap, looking out at an indoor pool.

Find Out More

Visit swimathon.org to learn more about the event, choose your challenge, and get involved. 

Let’s make the 40th Anniversary Swimathon our biggest and best yet! 

Enter now