Marathon Swims returns...
Marathon Swims is back and we have some exciting news... a brand new event!
Marathon Swims 2022:
We will be back in the London Aquatics Centre in 2022. Keep watching this space for information about our launch and event date.
NEW event - Marathon Swims SPRING SPRINTS:
Introducing the season-opener for the outdoor swimming season... a 1k outdoor swimming time trial, hosted at the fantastic Hillingdon Lido, west London on Saturday 2 April 2022.
SPRING SPRINTS gives the chance to take on the 1k Challenge swim as many times as you'd like (subject to availability) and claim your first outdoor swimming medal of 2022.
Marathon Swims has teamed up with partner GLL/ Better to host a unique event where you can take on the 1km distance multiple times. The challenge is chip-timed and each of your times counts. Go all out on one swim, or build up your speed over a few attempts (subject to availability).
Hillingdon Lido has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment and the heated lido is perfect for fitness swimming, events and challenges. We're delighted to be bringing Marathon Swims to west London.
Get your friends involved and take part in outdoor swimming's season opener - Marathon Swims SPRING SPRINTS. Limited places, so enter early.
The fastest 10 swimmers over the 1k Challenge will receive a guaranteed entry to the next Marathon Swims event at the London Aquatics Centre. Marathon Swims at the LAC is a sell-out event and this year we expect demand for the public places to be even higher due to the number of priority entries from 2020 participants who donated their entry fee and those who deferred.
However, it is not all sprints - our wave starting at 1pm is the SPRING SWIM - Leisurely Wave. This is perfect for those that want to enjoy their swim but aren't racing for a time.
Team GB's Hector Pardoe:
The SPRING SPRINTS is part of a big day of swimming activity at Hillingdon Lido. The 50m, Grade 2 listed Hillingdon Lido; one of London’s most iconic outdoor pools, will reopen for the 2022 season on 2nd April with an outdoor swimming showcase, hosted by 2021 Olympic Marathon Swimmer Hector Pardoe.
This summer the lido will be heated to a comfortable 23C for the first time and the launch day will see a host of swimming activities designed to highlight the fantastic array of facilities and activities on offer.
The morning will begin with a FREE Swim Doctor coaching session from 8am – 10am. Up to 40 free places will be available to competitive amateur swimmers, who would like expert tips and advice on their swimming technique from Hillingdon’s resident swim coach Charlotte Reisch and Team GB’s Hector Pardoe. Hector, will then take part in a poolside Q&A, answering questions on everything from his Olympic journey to competing at the top level as a vegan athlete.
The Lido will then host the first ever Marathon Swims SPRING SPRINTS. Up to 800 distance swimmers will have the opportunity to take part in the 1km swimming challenge. The SPRING SPRINTS will be hosted by Marathon Swims, which normally runs distance swimming events at the 2012 Olympic venue, the London Aquatics Centre, on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The day will close with a FREE 2-hour Swim for All session. With the pool available for anyone and everyone from the local community and beyond to enjoy.
Commenting on the launch day, Hector Pardoe said: “I’m very much looking forward to supporting the relaunch of Hillingdon Lido and sharing my knowledge of outdoor and long distance swimming. There are very few 50m outdoor pools in London and this exceptional facility should be on everyone’s radar as an ideal training venue.”
Hillingdon Lido is managed by charitable social enterprise Better. Better’s partnership manager for Hillingdon Keely Shelton commented: “We are delighted to have been able to heat Hillingdon Lido for the first time. We know that this will mean it is much more attractive to a wider group of swimmers and will mean that we can keep it open year round from here on in. The Lido is still very much a ‘hidden gem’ of West London and we hope this launch event on 2nd April will make more people aware of the fantastic facility that is on offer.”
For the Marathon Swims Spring Sprint visit: www.marathonswims.com
For regular updates follow: @hillingdon_lido @marathonswims @hectorpardoe
About Hector Pardoe:
Olympian (youngest ever to qualify in a marathon distance in both swimming and running).
25km British record holder.
Olympic Qualification champion.
World and European Junior medalist.
About Hillingdon Lido
Hillingdon Lido is located in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It is a Grade 2 listed 50m outdoor pool, newly heated to 23C – using renewable energy. In 2021 Hillingdon Council invested £370,000 to upgrade the Lido introducing new lighting for those darker winter mornings and evenings, outdoor heated shower facilities and new pool covers that act to retain heat. The Lido was built in 1935 in the Art Deco style. It was used as a training venue for the South Korean team during the 2012 London Olympics.
