Question 1

How does a charity place work?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, the charity places are HALF PRICE and you won't need to enter via the ballot for the Marathon 10k or Half Marathon 5k. By entering with a charity place, you will be agreeing to fundraise for and share your contact details with our partner charities, Alzheimer's Society and Level Water.

In return for your guaranteed place and HALF PRICE discount you will agree to fundraise £350 (Marathon 10k and Team 10k), £250 (Half Marathon 5k) and £150 (1k Challenge).

Thank you very much for considering to fundraise for our amazing charity partners.

Question 2

When will the 2025 Ballot run?

Accepted Answer

The ballot for Marathon 10k and the Half Marathon 5k places opens Thursday 26 March and will close 10:00pm Thursday 10 April 2026, with the ballot results announced as soon as possible after that date.

If you were successful in the ballot you will be notified and payment taken.

If you were unsuccessful in the ballot, your payment will NOT be taken and you can still enter the Marathon 10k, Half Marathon 5k, 1k Challenge or 10k Team via a HALF PRICE charity place or any available public places.

Charity places have the following fundraising asks: Marathon 10k/Team 10k £350, Half Marathon 5k £250 and 1k Challenge £150.

Question 3

How does the ballot work?

Accepted Answer

There is public ballot for places in the Marathon 10k. This is due to expected demand and is the fairest way of allocating places. The ballot will run between 26 March and 10pm 30 April 2026. There is no difference if you enter the ballot on the first day or the last, every entrant has an equal chance. You can only enter the ballot once.

All entrants to the ballot will enter their payment details, however payment will only be taken from successful applicants. Payment will be processed immediately on drawing the ballot (which may take place any time after 30 April 2026).

Any places with incomplete or refused payments, the place will be voided regardless of whether they were successful or not. Please make sure your card details entered are correct and valid on entry, and will not expire before May 2026.

Question 4

Can I avoid the ballot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can avoid the ballot and claim a guaranteed charity place immediately by:
- Claiming a Half Price charity place for our amazing charity partners Alzheimer's Society or Level Water
- Enter the 1k Challenge or Team 10k, which are not operating ballots

Question 5

How does the Team 10k work?

Accepted Answer

A team consists of 2 members. Only one swimmer is allowed in the water at any one time, and between the team members, you complete a total of 10km. The team members swim 1km at a time. You can divide the swims up in anyway you wish - for example:
- alternative 1km, swimming 5km each
- swimming blocks of a number of 1km's each
- unequal splits - as long as the total distance swum is 10km

Question 6

A category is SOLD OUT - what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If a category is sold out, then you may want to consider to swim for our charity partner(s) with a charity place. If the charity place is sold out then there may not be any availability remaining and that distance is sold out.

Our first piece of advice is to make sure you have registered your interest in the event, so you'll be first to hear when places go on sale in future events. We are selling out earlier each year, so early entry is recommended.

When a distance is sold out, the only way more places can be released is if an entrant decides to cancel their place or transfer to a different distance. In either case, when the cancellation or transfer is made, this will automatically free up a place in the previously sold out category. At this point you may be able to join, if that place is still available.

Please note - as organisers we don't know when places will become available, as all transfers are completed directly by the participants.

Question 7

When do entries close for Marathon Swims 2026?

Accepted Answer

Entries for Marathon Swims 2026 are currently OPEN. Entries close 25 October 2026 at 10pm, or when sold out, which ever comes first.Entry for the public places in the Marathon 10k and Half Marathon 5k will be distributed via a ballot, which will run until 30 April 2026. Guaranteed entry to the Marathon 10k and Half Marathon 5k is possible via a charity place for Alzheimer's Society or Level Water.All other places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Entry places will be available until sold out.Places in Marathon Swims are selling out earlier each year, so early entry is recommended.No entry is possible on event day.

Question 8

How to add a team member?

Accepted Answer

You can add a team member if you are the Captain of a Team 10k (team of 2).

As the Captain, you have already paid the entry fee for the team, so there is no need for them to pay for their entry, however they can buy additional purchases if they wish. There are 2 ways of adding a team member to your team:

Via your Active logon:

Log on to your Active account, Select 'Team centre', select 'Send invites', enter their email address and send the email. Please see attached image for more help.

2. Via the entry platform:
Ask your team mate to enter the event using the entry link: https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/82257534/select-race?e4p=b6d97af9-9a9f-43b5-b972-129bab9fccde&e4ts=1660552135&e4q=30d03341-85ad-4b46-a378-68f1c4b56a03&e4c=active&e4e=snawe00000000&e4h=55802db68a29e9ac3dbbc6e076aec243&e4rt=Safetynet&error=login_required&state=2cfae003-13a0-479a-b1e3-2988af95e7e3&_p=7321999892416713

There you will see an option for a Team member (pre-paid) £0.00. Select this and they can register for themselves just like the normal registration and search or enter your team name. If your team has a password before joining they will need to enter the password. They will not need to pay for the entry, but they can choose and pay for additional purchases/merchandise, which will be collected on the event day.

If you have forgotten the name of your team or your password, please email us and we can tell you what it is.

Question 9

Can I transfer my place?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a flexible policy on transfers. You can transfer your place to a different category (subject to availability) or transfer to someone else, as long as this is completed before end of 26 October 2025. There is a transfer fee of £20. You will need to logon to your Active account to do this. Please see info above on how to do this.

If you are transferring a place in the Team 10k, you'll need to contact us on info@marathonswims.com to do so.

Transfers are only permitted via the Active login transfer tool and not be any other method.

Question 10

Can I change details on my registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can change your details or transfer by simply clicking on this link - enter your password or create a new one.. From there you can transfer to someone else, transfer to another challenge, buy additional Marathon Swims merchandise or buy Wave Allocation, update your estimated completion time or change address etc. If you're having trouble logging in - please see this Guide. Please complete any changes before end of 26 October 2025

Question 11

How do I add merchandise or wave selection to my entry?

Accepted Answer

You can add merchandise or wave selections to your entry by logging into your Active account (see other FAQ tips). You have until 26 October 2025 to add any merchandise or wave selections. After this date, no further purchases can be made.

Question 12

Can I defer my place in the event to next year or get a refund?

Accepted Answer

If you purchased the Active Insurance on registering for the event, then you may claim a refund from Active, if you wish to cancel your place in the event. Terms and conditions apply and all questions regarding this insurance need to be made to Active.

We do not allow any deferrals or refunds for event places. We do have a flexible policy. As well as offering the Active Insurance, you can also transfer your place to another distance challenge (subject to availability) or transfer your plan to another person. The last date to make any changes to your entry is 30 September 2025.

If you are looking to transfer your place to someone else, the responsibility is yours to find the person to take your place. We are not able to promote any potential transfers through our channels.

We understand that sometimes life gets In the way of participation sport, so we are flexible in our approach. If you have bought a place and cannot make the event or injured etc, and you cannot find anyone to transfer to, then drop us an email (at least 48 hours before the event) and we can always place you on our list to receive a guaranteed entry through a (time-limited) priority entry window and discount for next year's event.

Question 13

How do I transfer my place to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your Active account and select 'Transfer registration'. Help to login to your account is available in this FAQ's. There is a £20 fee for all transfers. Transfers must be completed by end of 30 September 2025.

and then it will be in the hands of who you are transferring to ...

More assistance can be found on the link to Active's page here: https://support.activenetwork.com/endurance/articles/en_US/Article/Participants-Transfer-Registration-to-Someone-Else1-2?searchIn=allTypes

Question 14

How do I logon to my Active account?

Accepted Answer

To logon you'll need your email and password you set for your Active registration. Please use this guide.

To login to your Active account, please click here

Question 15

When will I know my start time?

Accepted Answer

Start times for Marathon Swims 2026 will be communicated in early October 2026, if not before. Start times are divided between distance and swimmer speed.

Start times are calculated based on the estimated completion times from all entrants. This is to ensure a good swimming experience for all, to ensure you are swimming with other swimmers of a similar speed. After all, no one likes to constantly over take or be constantly over-taken. I general slower swimmers are placed earlier in the event with faster swimmers later in the event.

We do have a Wave Selection fee which is possible to select and purchase with your entry (or buy post entry by logging back in to your Active account). This is designed for participants travelling longer distances and for those who need to coordinate their travel with the start/finish time. However, anyone can purchase these Wave Selections. A Wave Selection enables you to know the broad range of your start time, not to select a specific time.

Question 16

Can I change my wave start time?

Accepted Answer

The waves are graded by swimmer speed, with starts ranging from 8.45-6pm.  The reason we grade the waves is for swimmer experience, after all, no one wants to be constantly over taken, or constantly over take.

We do permit a few 'Wave Selection Fees' - these are designed to enable participants, who may be travelling long distances, to select a different wave. However these are limited in their availability. If you would like to purchase a wave selection, please log in to your Active account and select Additional Purchases/ Buy Merchandise. More details on how to log in to your Active account are available in these FAQ's.

Question 17

I have a code, what happens if I miss the deadline to enter?

Accepted Answer

We sometimes provide discount codes to certain groups. These are all time-limited and sometimes number limited. These codes will expire on the date stated. Unfortunately if you do not complete your entry by the deadline, the code will expire and your ability to use the place will be lost. No further extensions or codes are possible.

Question 18

Can I cancel my ballot entry?

Accepted Answer

If you have entered the ballot, but then decide you do not wish to remain in the ballot, then you can cancel your place by emailing the team at info@marathonswims.com , if sent prior to the ballot being run.

Emails requesting removing an entrant from the ballot must be made at least 5 days before the ballot is due to be run.

Once the ballot has been run, then all ballot places are confirmed, with payment taken immediately from all successful ballot entrants.

Ballot entries cannot be cancelled once the ballot has been run.

Question 19

Can I bring supporters?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. Spectators can pay for a Poolside Access pass or register for a free spectator pass (no poolside access). The free spectator passes will be launched later in the year.

Anyone wanting to spectate who has not registered, they will need to access the building via the main centre reception.

Question 20

Can I get a refund or defer my place?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer any refunds or deferrals.

We have a flexible policy which enables participants to transfer their place to someone else or to another distance (within a time period).

If you wish to be able to claim a refund, we recommend that you purchase the Active Insurance on entering the event.

If you are not able to take part this year, let us know and we can always place you on our list of people to receive a priority entry period and discount for next year's event.

Question 21

Can I get a refund for additional purchases, if I no longer want them?

Accepted Answer

No refunds are possible for additional purchases, as we pre-order the items.

However, in the case of spectator passes, if you no longer want them, and if you get in contact with us and request a refund with more than 8 weeks prior to the event, then we will refund the cost of the spectator passes, minus £1.50 per place admin fee.

Question 22

What time do I need to be at the venue on Race Day?

Accepted Answer

- We recommend getting to the venue at least an hour before your specified Race Start Time.  This is so you can register, collect your chip, warm up and prepare yourself for an amazing challenge.  Please be aware that even though the session starts at a particular time, different participants will have different start times within that wave.

Warm ups in the pool are not possible, however you can purchase a swim session at the LAC reception for their training pool, if you do want to warm up swimming or swim down.

Question 23

What happens to any merchandise bought, if I do not attend the event?

Accepted Answer

Any merchandise bought by participants who do not attend the event will be posted (after the event) to the address given in the registration. Please check your address is correct and up to date in the lead up to the event day.

Question 24

When will I know my start time?

Accepted Answer

Start times will be communicated a month out from the event. 
 
The start times for Marathon Swims are arranged based on your estimated completion time (entered at time of registration). It is important, for the enjoyment of all, to ensure that swimmers of similar speeds are placed in the same wave, as we know it can be frustrating if participants are continually overtaken or need to overtake.
 
The start times of waves are set to enable a consistent flow of participants throughout the event. Start times on both event days vary between 8.30am and 6pm. The slower swimmers (regardless of distance) have earlier starts, the faster swimmers have later starts. There was an option for a limited number of people to select a start wave in registration (subject to availability).

We operate individual starts - not all swimmers can start at exactly the same time. Participants for each start wave line up in race number order (lowest first) and begin their challenge when instructed to do so by the Race Team.

Question 25

How do I claim on Active Refund?

Accepted Answer

Active Refund is paid for insurance offered at entry (only). This insurance is operated solely by Active Networks and Marathon Swims does not have any sight of who has or hasn't purchased the insurance.

To make a claim, please visit the Active website.

Question 26

Can I park at the venue?

Accepted Answer

- There is limited car parking space at London Aquatics Centre and will be on a first come first served basis.  Parking charges vary from around £2 to over £20 depending on length of stay.  Buy your parking tickets inside the venue, as they may be cheaper.  There is additional parking available at Westfield Stratford nearby.
 
We recommend taking public transport, where possible.

Parking on the day may be busier than normal due to West Ham playing at home at 3pm on the day of the event.

Question 27

What is in my race pack?

Accepted Answer

- Your Race Pack includes a wristband, race tattoos and any Marathon Swims merchandise you have purchased with your entry.  You will also collect a timing chip specifically for you at registration.

Question 28

Can I warm up (or swim down) on race day?

Accepted Answer

- Yes you can but not in the Competition Pool or the diving pool.  If you wish to warm up or swim down by swimming, please go to the main centre reception, where you will be able to purchase a session swim in the training pool.  Please be aware that the Training pool is likely to be very busy between 11am and 3pm.  There will be a charge payable to the centre for this. The Training pool closes at 7pm on a Saturday.

Question 29

Can I bring fluid and fuel on poolside?

Accepted Answer

- Yes, participants have their own water table in the Transition area enabling you to take on your vital fluids and fuel as needed between each kilometre swum.  We recommend you bring your own (distinctive - so they're easy for you to identify) water bottles with water/energy drinks that you usually use.  Water to top up your water bottles will be available
​
- No energy bars or gels are provided. If participants wish to bring their own they are welcome to. It is recommended to attach any bars/gels to your water bottle. No boxes or items other than a water bottle and a few gels/bars are allowed on poolside.

Question 30

Which strokes are permitted?

Accepted Answer

- Front crawl and breaststroke are the only strokes permitted.  You will be asked which stroke you are likely to use on registration.  The waves you are allocated in may depend on the stroke that you select. Backstroke and butterfly not permitted.

Question 31

Are swimming aids permitted?

Accepted Answer

- No, swimming aids (such as pull buoys, paddles, fins etc.) are not permitted
You are allowed to wear underwater earphones, but the music needs to be set to a level where you can hear instructions of the marshals.

No Buoyancy aides, such as wetsuits, buoyancy shorts etc are permitted.

Question 32

Can I wear my own swim cap?

Accepted Answer

- Yes, of course.  Swimcaps are not provided as part of the event, so you are welcome to wear your own cap or none at all. Marathon Swims swim caps are available to buy online (via the registration system) and you can log back in to add additional items if you wish.

Question 33

Is there a finisher's medal?

Accepted Answer

- Yes, a fantatsic medal - but only for those that successfully complete their challenge.  Medals are only awarded to swimmers completing their chosen distance. No other medals are available, for instance, if a Marathon 10k swimmer completed only 5k, they will NOT receive a Half Marathon 5k medal.

Question 34

Is there a cut-off time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a cut off time - all swimmers need to complete their swim by 20:30 at the very latest. There is flexibility in the cut off times with the earlier waves (slower swimmers), so please make sure you add in an accurate estimated swim time when you enter (estimated swim times can be amended post entry).

The cut off times of 1 hour (1k Challenge), 2 hours 30 mins (Half Marathon 5k) and 4 hours 30 mins (Marathon 10k) only apply in the latter waves.

Question 35

Are there age-group results?

Accepted Answer

The awards for the Marathon Swims Hall of Fame will be generic and not be age-group based

Question 36

Can my friends join me on poolside for my swim?

Accepted Answer

- Yes, there are a limited number of Exclusive Poolside Access passes available to purchase on the registration system.  These are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

It is also free to spectate in the seats - please see our Spectators page Free spectator passes will be available soon.

Photography and filming of the event is permitted.  Filming/photography in the changing village is not permitted .

Question 37

What are the rules for overtaking?

Accepted Answer

Checkout our rules and etiquette here

Question 38

Can I wear buoyancy shorts/suits?

Accepted Answer

No buoyancy aids are permitted, this includes clothing.

Question 39

When is the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge starts from 1 November and ends 30 November. You can start whenever you like (after 1 Nov), but you must swim the complete distance of 10k, 25k or 50k within a maximum of 30 days, finishing before and submitting your results before midnight 30 Nov to earn yourself a medal.

Registration for Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge will close on 30 November.

Question 40

Does my time in transition count towards my overall time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The event is like a triathlon, where the longer you are in transition, the longer your overall recorded event time will be

Question 41

How much is it to enter the Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

The challenge is FREE, however if you'd like a medal sent to you, swim cap or t shirt, these can all be purchased when you enter (subject to availability).
 
Entry to Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge does not include the cost of attending the swimming venue – this cost is covered by the participant.
 
You can purchase a Marathon Swims medal (£14.95), Marathon Swims Swim Cap (£9.95), Marathon Swims t-shirt (£24.50) or a Medal and Swim Cap combo (£19.95). All prices includes postage and packaging.
 
International participants will need to cover additional costs of postage

Question 42

What is the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

The Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge is a challenge to swim a marathon distance at a venue of your choice and in your own time. Your challenge is to complete the Marathon 10k, Ultra Marathon 25k or Ultra Marathon 50k over 30 days before midnight 30 November. You can complete your challenge wherever and in as many swims as you like.

Enter, record your swims and submit your final result to become a marathon swimmer. The challenge is FREE and the purchase of medals, swim caps and t shirts is optional.

You must submit your result before midnight 30 November to be included in the results.

The challenge is available to only UK based participants. The challenge must take place in the UK.

Question 43

How do I enter the Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

Simply enter the event, choose whether you want any merchandise or medals and start swimming and from 1 November, start recording your swims. You can enter at anytime before midnight 30 November, but make sure you have enough time to complete your challenge.
 
Record each of your swims and be ready to upload your evidence of completion before midnight 30 November. Please see details below of how to evidence your results.

ENTER here

Question 44

What distances challenges are available?

Accepted Answer

You can choose to take on the Marathon 10k, Ultra Marathon 25k or Ultra Marathon 50k in the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge.

Question 45

How do I upload my results?

Accepted Answer

Results for the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge can ONLY be uploaded between 1-30 November. Please ONLY upload your results when you have completed your challenge.

However, you can resubmit your result (before midnight 30 Nov) if you do the challenge again.
 
To upload your results:
-Visit the results page https://resultscui.active.com/events/MarathonSwimsVirtualChallenge2025 
-Enter your registration (R) number (which you'll find on your conformation email)
-Enter the time that it took you in total to complete the challenge (enter 59:59:59 if you don't wish to be included in the results)
-Upload an image of your results (screengrab or photo)
-Submit/Go
 
The provisional results will show online as soon as we have checked your entry. This may take up to 48 hours.
 
The final results will be published online on 1 December

Please remember, to be included in the results, you MUST submit your results before midnight 30 Nov.

Question 46

How do I login to my Active account? (to change address, contact numbers etc or buy more merchandise)"

Accepted Answer

Log in to your Active account here. You'll need your email address and password for Active. Please use this guide.

To login to your Active account, please click here

Question 47

When do I upload my results?

Accepted Answer

Results can be uploaded any time between 1 November and midnight 30 November. 
 
You will need your registration number (starting with 'R') and one image/screengrab of your results to submit. Only submit your results when you have completed your challenge in full.
 
Please see the 'How do I upload my results?' question above.
 
Note - you can resubmit your result any number of times. So if you complete more than one attempt at your challenge distance, you can resubmit but this must be before midnight 30 Nov.

Results:
https://resultscui.active.com/events/MarathonSwimsVirtualChallenge2025

Question 48

Are there capacity limits in any of the challenge distances?

Accepted Answer

We do not have any capacity limits in each of the 3 distances on offer. However availability of some of the merchandise and the medals will be limited and based on a first come, first served basis.

Question 49

When is the deadline for completing the challenge and submitting results?

Accepted Answer

The deadline for completion of the challenge and submitting your results is midnight 30 November. Submissions after this time will not be included in the results.

Question 50

Can I fundraise for charity in the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course, we’d love for you to raise money for charity – especially our amazing partner charity Alzheimer's Society.

You can fundraise for any charity, so please let us know on your entry form who you will be raising money for and how much you’d like to raise (don’t worry you’re not committing to raise this much, we’d just like an idea of how much you think you could raise)

Question 51

How will people know that I am taking on the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

The Virtual Challenge is not a single-venue event, it is a challenge that you take on in your own time at your chosen venue.
 
We suggest you tell as many people as possible that you’re doing the challenge; share on social media, ask for fundraising if you can and buy a medal and Marathon Swims Swim Cap to show that you’ve completed the challenge.

Question 52

Where can I swim my Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

You can swim in any UK pool or any UK swimming venue you wish. And you can mix it up.
It may help your to book your swims in advance. You will need to pay for each swim - our challenge is FREE but your will need to pay for your swims in the normal way.

You could swim your virtual challenge in open water, however we do not recommend this unless you are a very experienced cold water swimmer and swimming at a managed location with the necessary safety provisions in place. Each open water swim would also need to be very shorter than a typical pool swim due to the temperature of the water.

Question 53

How do I record my swims/results for the Virtual Challenge?

Accepted Answer

Record your swims in anyway you wish. Whether you record your results on a device, app or simply by recording each swim manually – you can then take a screenshot or photo of your results and upload it.
Record your distance and time. 
Details on how to submit your results are in a question above.

Question 54

Where can I find my R-number?

Accepted Answer

Your R-number is on your confirmation email from when you registered. You'll need your R-number to submit your results.
 
We can re-send you your confirmation email, so please email us info@marathonswims.com if you want us to resend it.

Question 55

I don't want my results to be publicly available

Accepted Answer

No problem at all. Please submit your time in the normal way as 59:59:59 and we will not publish it.

Question 56

Once entered, can I change my Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?"

Accepted Answer

Changes of distance are possible. But transferring to another person is not. The challenge is free, so there is no need to transfer places to others.
 
Entries and changes are only possible until midnight 30 November. After this time no further distance changes are possible

Question 57

When do I receive my Marathon Swims merchandise?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your Marathon Swims merchandise purchases. All purchases include the cost of postage. All merchandise, including medals will be sent to you following your submission of your results for your challenge. 
 
International participants will need to cover some additional costs of postage by paying the additional fee in additional purchases.
 
Please note - Medals cannot be sent until your results have been submitted and other merchandise purchased will only be sent when we know the outcome of your swim challenge. 
 
Results can be submitted anytime between 1 November and 30 November.

Question 58

I have paid for a medal, but I can't complete my challenge?"

Accepted Answer

You do need to complete your challenge to receive a medal.

However, if you are not able to complete your challenge, please drop us a line (info@marathonswims.com) before 30 November, so we can post to you any other merchandise you have paid for.
 
If you ordered a medal and did not complete your challenge or submit your result before the closing date (30 Nov), you can be sent a generic Marathon Swims medal (without the distance stated on the ribbon) - to be requested on email.

If you attempted the 50k and only completed 10k, we can send you a Marathon 10k medal, however you will not be included in the results. To be requested on email.

Question 59

How do I purchase more merchandise?

Accepted Answer

Click this link to take you to your Active Account:
 
Click on Purchase Merchandise

Question 60

When are the results published?

Accepted Answer

We will publish results (distances completed and name) regularly throughout the challenge. Results can be found here - 
https://resultscui.active.com/events/MarathonSwimsVirtualChallenge2025 
 
Please let us know if you do not want to be included in the results by emailing us info@marathonswims.com

Question 61

What happens if I am not able to complete my challenge?

Accepted Answer

If you are not able to complete your challenge, please drop us a line (info@marathonswims.com) before 30 November, so we can post to you any merchandise (not medals) you have paid for.
 
For medals - see below

Question 62

I ordered a medal, but I cannot complete my challenge in time"

Accepted Answer

If you ordered a medal but are unable to complete your challenge distance and submit your results before the closing date (30 November), unfortunately you will not be sent your medal.

However, you do have 4 options:
1. Request a generic (non distance) medal to recognise your attempt at the challenge
2. Request a place in next year's Virtual Challenge, with a free medal
3. Or you can ask to transfer the cost of the medal to a discount in next year's live event at the London Aquatics Centre.

To request any of the above, please email info@marathonswims.com

Question 63

Can I still purchase merchandise afer entering?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase merchandise until 30 November (subject to availability). Please follow the steps below:
 
Log in to your Active account here. Select 'Purchase merchandise' and you can then add Marathon Swims swim caps or Marathon Swims t shirts to your order. This is subject to availability. If a size or type of merchandise is not available, that range will be sold out. Furture Marathon Swims events will have other merchandise for sale on entry.
 
If you're having trouble logging in - please see this guide.
 
When you have purchased additional merchanise, please also email us at info@marathonswims.com to state that you have done this, just in case your order has already been processed.

Question 64

Why is the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge only available to UK based entrants?

Accepted Answer

If you are not based in the UK, please do not enter the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge.  Unfortunately, we are only insured for entrants based in the UK. If you are not based in the UK and you enter the virtual challenge, we will have to cancel your place. Please note that the Active fee is non refundable, if paid on entry.

Frequently asked questions

How does a charity place work?

When will the 2025 Ballot run?

How does the ballot work?

Can I avoid the ballot?

How does the Team 10k work?

A category is SOLD OUT - what can I do?

When do entries close for Marathon Swims 2026?

How to add a team member?

Can I transfer my place?

Can I change details on my registration?

How do I add merchandise or wave selection to my entry?

Can I defer my place in the event to next year or get a refund?

How do I transfer my place to someone else?

How do I logon to my Active account?

When will I know my start time?

Can I change my wave start time?

I have a code, what happens if I miss the deadline to enter?

Can I cancel my ballot entry?

Can I bring supporters?

Can I get a refund or defer my place?

Can I get a refund for additional purchases, if I no longer want them?

What time do I need to be at the venue on Race Day?

What happens to any merchandise bought, if I do not attend the event?

When will I know my start time?

How do I claim on Active Refund?

Can I park at the venue?

What is in my race pack?

Can I warm up (or swim down) on race day?

Can I bring fluid and fuel on poolside?

Which strokes are permitted?

Are swimming aids permitted?

Can I wear my own swim cap?

Is there a finisher's medal?

Is there a cut-off time?

Are there age-group results?

Can my friends join me on poolside for my swim?

What are the rules for overtaking?

Can I wear buoyancy shorts/suits?

When is the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

Does my time in transition count towards my overall time?

How much is it to enter the Virtual Challenge?

What is the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

How do I enter the Virtual Challenge?

What distances challenges are available?

How do I upload my results?

How do I login to my Active account? (to change address, contact numbers etc or buy more merchandise)"

When do I upload my results?

Are there capacity limits in any of the challenge distances?

When is the deadline for completing the challenge and submitting results?

Can I fundraise for charity in the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

How will people know that I am taking on the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

Where can I swim my Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?

How do I record my swims/results for the Virtual Challenge?

Where can I find my R-number?

I don't want my results to be publicly available

Once entered, can I change my Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge?"

When do I receive my Marathon Swims merchandise?

I have paid for a medal, but I can't complete my challenge?"

How do I purchase more merchandise?

When are the results published?

What happens if I am not able to complete my challenge?

I ordered a medal, but I cannot complete my challenge in time"

Can I still purchase merchandise afer entering?

Why is the Marathon Swims Virtual Challenge only available to UK based entrants?

Is the leaderboard validated?

Can I get a refund or defer my entry?

Will I get my race pack in the post?

When will I know my start time?

Can I change my challenge?

Can I change my estimated completion time?

Can I change my start time?

Can I raise money for charity?

When is Marathon Swims?

What are the distances involved in Marathon Swims?

How big is the London Aquatics Centre?

Where can I take part in Marathon Swims?

Which strokes are permitted?

How are swimmers of different speeds catered for?

When will I know my start time?