Swimmers from across the county are being urged to dive into Swimathon 2026 on its 40th anniversary in raising money for a number of good causes.
Pools set to take part include Kempston Pool & Fitness, Robinson Pool and Fitness, and Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre.
This year, a number of different charities will be the beneficiaries of fundraising from the event, including end of life charity, Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK and the Swimathon Foundation.
Since 1986, more than 750,000 participants have taken part in Swimathon in the UK, and raised over £55 million for good causes.
Swimathon President and Olympic gold medallist, Duncan Goodhew, said: “It’s incredible to think that, for forty 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 who 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.”
Can’t make it? Set up your own challenge!
From 500 metres, up to 5,000 metres (or more if you love a true endurance test), Swimathon has a number of set challenges that people can take on, whether it be as an individual or part of a team.
And 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 on any day throughout 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.
Swimmers can sign up now at swimathon.org.
