Swimathon 2017

Thirty-three teams representing fifteen different
organisations, including schools, charities and businesses, took part in the
annual Rotary Club of Penrith Swimathon, held as usual at Penrith Leisure
Centre. The teams, with over one hundred and fifty swimmers in total, raised
thousands for their chosen charities.
 
Held over two consecutive Saturdays to cope with demand for
lane spaces, the challenge saw teams swim in relay for fifty minutes.
Participants pushed themselves to their limit to complete as great a distance
as possible, with the teams from Eden Mencap standing out for their
determination and commitment.
 
 
The event record, 196 lengths set by Arragon’s Tri Club,
came under severe threat from teams of lifeguards from Center Parcs at Whinfell
who were swimming for Together For Short Lives. Despite pushing hard to the
very end, they fell agonisingly short and finished with 190 lengths.
 
 
A large amount of money was raised for many charitable
causes, including Orton, Long Marton and Hunter Hall schools. Hunter Hall set a
new schools’ record of 144 lengths, with a team from Long Marton also achieving
over a hundred lengths.
 
 
Other participating groups included Eden Swim School, Ladies
(And Lads) Who Launch for the RNLI, Sainsbury’s for Eden Young Carers, St.
Andrew’s Church, The Juniper Trust for Sanjiwani Blind Hostel, 13th
Carlisle Cubs for Water Aid/Cubs, Melmerby Swim For Swings and 1stKirkoswald and Langwathby Guides for Water Aid/Girlguiding.
 
 
Thanks went to the members of Penrith Rotary Club, who diligently
counted each length swum, and the enthusiastic supporters of each team who
encouraged the determined swimmers.