Organisers of the Skipton Swimarathon are delighted by the number of people signing up to take part in the fundraising event.

This year has seen a best-ever response, 222 lane bookings do far.  That is only ten short of the total number booked in 2019.

Nick Guillemette, Chairman of the Swimarathon Committee says it more than they expected:

“We have been fully prepared for a difficult year with people still feeling very anxious about Covid-19.

However, we have been overwhelmed by the number of individuals and corporates wanting to support the Skipton Swimarathon and believe that this year could see a record number of swimmers. It’s encouraging that so many want to give back to our community in what has been a challenging time for all.”

Last year the event welcomed more than 2,500 swimmers through the schools’ At Large event and at the pool at Beau Sejour.

Together these swimmers swam the length of Guernsey to Rotterdam, raising just over £60,000 for local charities.

"We did not know what to expect this year, but I feel that the Swimarathon being one of the few charity events still going ahead, having a very worthwhile charity beneficiary, plus a desire for people to get more active and look after their wellbeing could all be reasons why we are seeing so many rushing to the pool.

We have yet to have a year where the event becomes fully-booked so this could be that year! With only 33 lane slots left if people are thinking of joining in they should be quick to register a place.”

Swimmers will be put to the test between 7th and 11th October, raising funds for this year’s main beneficiary, the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association with further funds going charities selected by the Lions Club of Guernsey and Guernsey Round Table.

Corporate teams, community organisations, friends and families can all enter teams by visiting www.swimarathon.org.