Marathon Swims launches new event and charity partner

Marathon Swims, "the London Marathon of swimming", will be expanding in 2019 with the addition of a new event at Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham
Sandford Parks Lido - Marathon Swims
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Marathon Swims expands with new event in Cheltenham

Marathon Swims has announced its expansion, with a brand new addition for 2019. Adding to its London Aquatics Centre event (9th/10th November 2019), a new event will be held on Saturday 27th July 2019 at Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham.

That news was released today, alongside the addition of Level Water as a new charity partner.


Sandford Parks Lido named as new Marathon Swims venue and Level Water as official charity partner

Marathon Swims, the ultimate swimming challenge, has announced two new partnerships:

  • Level Water, the charity providing a fair start in sport for children with disabilities through one-to-one swimming lessons, is named as Marathon Swims London official charity partner.
  • Sandford Parks Lido, a stunning outdoor pool on the edge of the Cotswolds will host a Marathon Swims event on Saturday 27 July 2019. The venue is the second Marathon Swims location and first event outside London.

Marathon Swims is the “London Marathon” of swimming. The annual event hosted at the London Aquatics Centre, home of swimming during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was developed to be a series of events and is now seeking other 10-lane, 50m pools to host their own Marathon Swims events.

“Every major city in the world has its own running marathon, half marathon and triathlon. Cities now have the chance to host their own stand-out, accessible swimming event and we’re delighted to be working with such a fantastic venue as Sandford Parks Lido” Stated Marathon Swims founder Diccon Loy, “We are also very excited to be working in partnership with Level Water. The charity is a highly relevant partner and provides essential support for children with disabilities. We know our participants will respond to the challenge and raise money for Level Water’s amazing work”.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Marathon Swims,” stated Level Water Founder and Chief Executive Ian Thwaites. “Our work is critical to enable children with a disability to attain the water skills to swim 10m unaided, thus enabling them to join mainstream classes and to progress their swimming with the same opportunities as their able-bodied peers. Working in partnership with standout events such as Marathon Swims London will enable us to support hundreds of disabled children each year.”

Sandford Parks Lido - Marathon Swims

Entries to Marathon Swims 2019 London and Sandford Parks Lido are now open. Participants can choose to fundraise for Level Water in the London Marathon Swims event.

The Marathon Swims event was shortlisted for Event of the Year at the BT Sport Industry Awards in 2018 and UK Active Awards 2018. The London event has sold out each year since its launch in 2017.

www.marathonswims.com / @MarathonSwims

www.instagram.com/marathonswims / www.facebook.com/MarathonSwims

Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.

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