SwiMarathon wins local Community Award for encouraging physical activity

Members of the Rotary Club of Market Harborough, District 1070, are delighted to say that the club was awarded the 2025 Community Award of the Harborough District “Let’s get moving. Physical Activity” Awards for their efforts in running the annual SwiMarathon.

This award is for an individual, group or club that has developed or led a sport or physical activity project, or had a positive influence to inspire others to become more active in their community. The Community Award was one of ten award categories presented at an event at Lutterworth Leisure Centre in November 2025. The award was received by Rotarian Carole Baldam, current chair of the SwiMarathon organising group, and Rotarian Hilary Hearnshaw, on behalf of the club. They were interviewed on the stage and expressed thanks to all involved in the award scheme, as well as to all swimmers and sponsors over the years. In true Rotarian style, they also recruited several swim teams for the 2026 SwiMarathon event, from all the sports team representatives at the ceremony.

The award was given for running the Rotary SwiMarathon. This has been run every year since 2011 (except 2021 due to lockdown) at Harborough Leisure Centre. Each year the Rotarians of the club organise and run this two-day event which invites teams of up to 6 swimmers to swim in a relay in one lane for 50 minutes. Over the 15 years, more than 1600 swimmers have enjoyed taking part. The youngest so far, was 5 years old and the oldest 85 years old. There have been swimmers from all kinds of groups such as schools, Women's Institutes, scouts, sea cadets, triathlon clubs, disabled swimming clubs, ukulele groups, families, even Rotarians themselves.

Each swimmer raises sponsorship for their swim from friends and families, and gives their money to the Rotary Club. The Rotarians then invite applications from local organisations and good causes for grants from this fund. The applications are assessed by a panel of independent people and then awards are given from the total raised. There are also generous local businesses and individuals who contribute to the total to be given away. Since 2011 over £100,000 has been donated to more than 300 local groups.

The swim event is great fun, poolside music is provided by HFM radio, Rotarians count the number of lengths each team swims, and supporters shout encouragement.

After swimming, each swimmer is presented with a printed certificate showing a photo of the swim team, taken just before their swim. Many swim teams come back year after year because it is so enjoyable.

So, the Market Harborough Rotary Club SwiMarathon has promoted the physical activity of swimming for many local people, supported local community groups with grants, and given lots of people some fun.