Rotary Club of Milton Keynes Swimathon 2027

The Rotary Club of Milton Keynes is bringing back its annual swimathon on Saturday 20 February 2027, at Wolverton Swimming and Fitness Centre on Addington Avenue. It's the 34th running of the event, which the club has staged since 1994, and over more than three decades it's raised more than half a million pounds for local charities.

The format is open to everyone, and it's a relay rather than a race. Teams of six take turns in the pool for 55 minutes, raising money through sponsorship. You don't need to be a strong swimmer to get involved — the only requirement is that you can swim a 25-metre length unaided. Children of any age can take part, provided they have parental permission, so it's as much a family thing as a competitive one.

Each year the club names a handful of Milton Keynes charities to benefit, with the money ring-fenced for specific projects. The charities themselves get involved too, entering their own swimming teams and helping out on the day. Euan Henderson is the Swimathon Co-ordinator.

It runs from 9 am to 6 pm at Wolverton Swimming and Fitness Centre, Addington Ave, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5GH, Buckinghamshire. Entry is free.