Fundraising challenges have taken place in three Cardiff pools as part of Swimathon 2026.
Swimmers in Eastern, Fairwater and Maindy leisure centres raised £5776.80 for Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie and the Swimathon Foundation.
In total, the UK’s foremost leisure charitable social enterprise GLL hosted 1,362 fundraising challenges in 87 of its managed pools for Swimathon 2026 – smashing the tally of 1,054 set in 2025 and raising a record £141k.
Individuals swam a variety of distances – 500m, 1.5k, 2.5k, Swimathon 5k and Triple 5k distances – with teams choosing 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k challenges.
Matt Simmons, GLL Transformation Manager for Wales, said: “Congratulations to all our charity fundraisers. With 1362 taking part nationally, Swimathon 2026 is the biggest challenge of its kind to be hosted in GLL pools, and I’m delighted that three in Cardiff were involved in such a fantastic cause.”
Fundraising swims at Eastern Leisure Centre raised £1876.50, Fairwater Leisure Centre raised £692 and Maindy Leisure Centre raised £3207.80.
“Thanks to GLL and all our pool operator hosts for supporting their community swimmers young and old to raise much-needed funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie during Swimathon 2026,” said Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew who is celebrating 50 years since becoming an Olympian.
“In our 40th anniversary year, Swimathon more than ever exemplifies the collective positive energy of the UK’s swimming community, and the benefits swimming brings.”
