Swimathon celebrates 40 years - here's where you can take part in Bedfordshire
Water lovers across Bedfordshire are being urged to dive into Swimathon 2026, as it celebrates four decades of swimming success.
The sponsored event - now the world’s largest annual pool-based fundraising swim - is taking place at nearly 500 venues nationwide from March 20 to 22.
In Bedfordshire, pools set to take part include:
Flitwick Leisure Centre
Kempston Pool & Fitness
Robinson Pool and Fitness in Bedford
Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre
The Dunstable Centre
Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre in Biggleswade
Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre in Leighton Buzzard
Since 1986, more than 750,000 participants have taken part in the UK and raised over £55 million for good causes.
This year, organisers are calling on swimmers of all ages and abilities to help celebrate the event’s 40th anniversary by making a splash for Cancer Research UK, end of life charity Marie Curie and Swimathon Foundation.
Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President, Duncan Goodhew, said: "It’s incredible to think that, for 40 years, Swimathon has brought people together to enjoy the benefits of swimming and raise extraordinary sums for charity. Its success is testament to the loyal participants who return year after year, and to the new generation of swimmers now taking up the baton.
“To everyone in Bedfordshirewho has been part of our journey: thank you. And to those joining us for this milestone anniversary: good luck! I can’t wait to see what the next 40 years have in store."
Swimathon offers a variety of individual challenges from 500m up to a supercharged Triple 5k or teams of 2-5 people can take part in a 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k relay.
Anyone who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon and choose a distance, time and venue that suits to complete their swim in March.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Bedfordshire, Patrick Keely, said: “With new technologies opening doors to new discoveries, we’re living in a golden age of cancer research. But in the East of England around 38,200* people are diagnosed with the disease every year. so we must go further and faster.
“Fundraising events like Swimathon are vital to fuel more progress. Every length swum will help bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. That’s why we’re urging first-timers and seasoned swimmers alike to take the plunge and be part of Swimathon’s extraordinary legacy. Together we can power the next wave of cancer breakthroughs.“
Sign up now at swimathon.org