Dive into getting fit by joining a nationwide ‘Swimathon’

People from across Westminster are being invited to make a splash by joining a nationwide swim challenge in aid of two national charities.

Five leisure centres across Westminster, operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Westminster City Council, are taking part in the world’s biggest charity swim to raise money for Cancer Research and Marie Curie. The ‘Swimathon’ will take place from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th March 2020:

-        Marshall Street Leisure Centre: Sat 28th- 10:00-16:00, Sun 29th- 10:00-16:00

-        Moberly Sports Centre: Fri 27th- 12:00-15:00, Sat 28th- 13:00-16:00

-        Porchester Centre: Sun 29th- 18:00-21:00

-        Queen Mother Sport Centre: Fri 27th – 11:00-15:00, Sat 28th- 12:00-16:00

-        Seymour Leisure Centre: Sat 28th- 17:00-20:00, Sun 29th- 12:00-15:00

The event has been running for over 30 years, during which time more than half a million people have taken part and raised over £50m for a number of important UK charities. This year, Everyone Active is encouraging people to get fit by getting stuck in.

Swimathon is open to all swimmers, regardless of age and ability. Participants can get involved either individually or as part of a team.  Individuals have the option of swimming 400m, 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k, or they can take in the Triple 5k Challenge. Returning for a second year, the ultimate challenge tests participants to swim a 5k distance three times, each at a different Swimathon session. Teams of 2-5 swimmers can also choose from the 1.5k or 5k challenge and share the lengths. There’s an option to suit swimmers of all abilities so what better way to get involved and show the charities your support. 

Cllr Paul Swaddle, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital said,” We’re creating more opportunities for people of all ages to take part in physical activity than ever before. Swimming is great exercise and I’d encourage everyone to sign up for the Swimathon as it helps people get more active but also raises money for good causes. With an ActiveWestminster card, free swimming is available to children and young people under 19 who live or study in the borough, as well as residents over 60.” 

“We’re always so looking forward to the annual Swimathon event. It’s such a special occasion to unite our members all for one goal to raise money for two incredible charities. There’s nothing better than seeing our members and their families proud of themselves and what they’ve achieved” says Everyone Active Contract Manager, Andy Davison. “In the spirit of challenging yourself to new fitness goals for 2020, swimming is such an excellent sport for giving you a great workout and improving your cardiovascular health. We encourage swimmers of any age and ability to come down and get stuck into this great event.”

For more information about the distances and details on how to sign up, visit https://swimathon.org/enter-now