Xiaohongshu
Make a splash at the UCL Charity Swimathon
Looking for a fun challenge, a great atmosphere and the chance to make a difference? The UCL Charity Swimathon is back, offering UCL students, staff and alumni the opportunity to dive in, challenge themselves and support a good cause.
Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or have only recently found your way to the pool, there's a place for you. The Swimathon isn't about being the fastest or swimming the furthest. It's about setting yourself a personal goal, having fun and being part of an incredible community.
Date: Sunday 22 November
Time: 9am–2pm
Venue: London Aquatics Centre
Tickets from £10
This year, the Swimathon will also raise funds for Movember, supporting its work to tackle some of the biggest health issues facing men. Even better, 20% of every ticket sale will be donated to Movember. You can make an even greater impact by joining our team and raising additional funds through the Movember Fundraising page.
To find out what makes the event so special, we spoke to members of TeamUCL Swimming Club about their experiences, why everyone should give the Swimathon a go, and what life is like in the club.
A Challenge for Everyone
One Swimming Club member, who has taken part multiple times, says the Swimathon is a brilliant opportunity to push yourself in a supportive environment.
"You might be surprised at how much you can swim when you're surrounded by encouragement from others and the exciting atmosphere."
For some participants, the challenge is about reaching a new milestone. For others, it's simply about getting in the water and enjoying the experience. One student returned year after year to see if they could beat their previous performance, eventually swimming the same distance in a faster time.
The best part? You choose your own challenge. There's no need to be a competitive swimmer or have years of experience to take part.
"It's completely fine to swim as much or as little as you wish. The majority of people are beginner-level swimmers having some fun rather than competing to swim the furthest or fastest."
Whether you want to push your limits or simply enjoy a swim alongside fellow students, the event is a chance to get involved at your own pace.
More Than Just a Swim
When asked to describe the Swimathon in three words, TeamUCL Swimming Club members chose:
Fun. Energetic. Rewarding.
Those three words capture the spirit of the event. Throughout the day, swimmers encourage one another, celebrate personal achievements and come together in support of a great cause. The Swimathon is about more than completing lengths. It's an opportunity to meet new people, challenge yourself and be part of the wider UCL community, all while supporting charity. So, whether you're signing up with friends or taking the plunge on your own, you can expect an atmosphere built around encouragement, participation and having fun.
Spotlight on TeamUCL Swimming Club
The friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the Swimathon reflects the culture of TeamUCL Swimming Club itself. For members, the club offers much more than regular sessions in the pool: it's a chance to stay active, build friendships and find a community around a shared passion. One member explained what they enjoy most about being part of the club:
"What I enjoy most about being part of the Swimming Club is having a consistent routine to look forward to, staying active and keeping fit through regular workouts, and most importantly doing this with friends that I've made through being part of the club."
Another member highlighted the simple joy of being able to swim alongside others who share the same interests:
"Being able to swim, meeting new people and making friends with a similar passion."
The club welcomes swimmers of all abilities, from complete beginners looking for a fun way to stay active to experienced swimmers who enjoy training and competing. As one member put it:
"I'd describe the club as a friendly and welcoming environment, highly accommodating to people of all skill levels."
And the fun doesn't stop when members leave the pool. Weekly socials, sports nights, parties and collaborations with other clubs give members plenty of opportunities to meet people and build friendships beyond training sessions. Whether you're looking to improve your swimming, keep fit or find your people at UCL, TeamUCL Swimming Club offers a welcoming community to dive into.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
The UCL Charity Swimathon is a chance to challenge yourself, support a good cause and experience the energy of the UCL community. You don't need to be an expert swimmer or have an ambitious distance in mind. All you need is a willingness to get involved.
Ready to make a splash? Tickets start from just £10, and 20% of every ticket sale will go to Movember. Come along, take on your own swimming challenge and help support men's health.
Want to do more? Join our Movember fundraising team and raise additional funds to help make a difference.
Want to get some practice in before the big day? Join our Project Active Lane Swimming sessions at the London Aquatics Centre every Wednesday, 10:00–11:00am. It's a great opportunity to build your confidence, get some lengths in and prepare for the Swimathon.
Grab your goggles, bring your enthusiasm and get ready to dive in.