LEISURE centres in Reading are set to host a fundraising challenge in aid of two major charities this weekend.
Rivermead, Palmer park, and Meadway centres are all set to take part in the Swimathon for 2026, where individuals and teams can take on distance swim challenges.
The event raises vital funds for Cancer Research UK and end-of-life charity Marie Curie.
Individuals can choose to swim a variety of distances: 500m, 1.5k, 2.5k, the Swimathon 5k and Triple 5k distances.
Teams can choose from 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k challenges.
GLL has been supporting Swimathon over the years in its ‘Better’ branded pools. Last year saw 1,054 challenges completed UK-wide in 68 pools raising £109k for charity.
Craig Woodward, GLL Partnership Manager for Reading, said: “The world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research, Cancer Research UK, and the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, as well as Swimathon Foundation will directly benefit from our fundraisers’ efforts.
“A big thank you to everyone taking part and raising money for such good causes.”
Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew is celebrating 50 years since becoming an Olympian. He said: “Thanks to GLL and all our pool operator hosts for supporting their community swimmers young and old for Swimathon 2026.
“In our 40th anniversary year, Swimathon promises to be bigger and better than ever and really exemplify the collective positive energy of the UK’s swimming community and the benefits swimming brings.”
GLL is the largest provider of public swimming in the UK (140 pools and 9 lidos) and the biggest provider of swimming lessons – teaching 200,000 people a week, including adult swimmers.
More information about GLL is available via: gll.org
More information about the Swimathon, including how to take part, is available via: swimathon.org
