Swimmers in the local area will take the plunge at Tandridge Leisure Centre in Oxted on Saturday 22nd March and Sunday 23rd March as they take on the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief  Swimathon. 

From Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March 2014, The Swimathon will take place in over 600 pools across the UK including the Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the very first time.

The Swimathon is the UK’s biggest fundraising swimming event with thousands of people jumping into pools around the country. You can choose from 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k individual distances.  For those who prefer a team challenge, you could also form a relay squad to tackle the 1.5k and 5k distances with your water-loving friends and lap up the glory. Alternatively, if you are unable to take part in one of the 600 Swimathon pools, try SimplySwim, which lets you choose your distance and complete your challenge at any pool.

To really make your swimming challenge count, don’t forget to get sponsored.  The money you raise will go to Sport Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives both here in the UK and around the world. 

Lisa O’Donnell, Sport and Swimming Manager added: “The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon is a fantastic way to bring our community together, while providing ample opportunity to get fit and healthy in the pool. Local residents can take the plunge themselves, along with family and friends to complete a swimming challenge of their choice, be it 200m or 5k, all while raising funds for those in need.”

To help guide swimmers while training for their chosen distance, Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President, Duncan Goodhew MBE, is on hand to offer his expert advice and encouragement to swimmers of all levels. 2012 Paralympian and four time Paralympic gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds, is also backing the event and encouraging the nation to take a dip.

Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds OBE commented: “I’m really keen on making swimming accessible for everyone and there is a challenge to suit all levels of expertise at the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon. I’d encourage people to take the plunge and make every length count by being sponsored to take on a challenge and do their bit for Sport Relief!”

Duncan Goodhew said: “Swimmers of all ages and abilities can take on a challenge in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon. Whether it’s a length of their local swimming pool or the Team 5k – every length counts. With 600 pools taking part this year, there is even more opportunity to train early for your challenge, while raising much needed cash for Sport Relief.”

Enter the Swimathon today and benefit from limited half price entry at www.swimathon.org