What is the RotarySwimarathon?

First and foremost, it is a FUN swim event, but still offering the opportunity for competitive swimmers to test their abilities to win the Basil Blackham Memorial Challenge Cup, and at the same time help local charities. It is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities; from ‘mums & bubs’ through surf and swim clubs, to businesses, schools, parents and grandparents.

​The first RotarySwimarathon, begun by the Rotary Club of Grantham in the UK, took place in February 1989, with the aim of raising monies for local charities and deserving causes in and around Grantham. They have celebrated 31 years this year with 272 teams and over 1600 swimmers. 
 
Expanding in 2011 and becoming the RotaryGlobalSwimarathon, a Guinness World Record was set when 4,546 swimmers all swam 100m simultaneously around 64 locations across the world – a record that still stands today. 
  
In 2018, our three local Rotary Clubs of Orewa, Whangaparaoa and Orewa/Millwater Satellite brought the first-ever RotarySwimarathon to the Hibiscus Coast! 

​2019 Hibiscus Coast RotarySwimarthon

​The 2019 event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board of Auckland Council, who provided use of the Stanmore Bay Pool at no cost to Rotary. ​

The stats for 2019:

• ​​Swimmers: 274
• Teams: 47
• Most laps by a team: 185 (in 45 mins)
• Total laps: 7038 (198.9km)
• Biggest single team fundraising: $1,996
• $23,400 donated to local charities in 2019
• $32,400 donated over 2018-2019

​Supporting local charities

Rotary will again be supporting a number of great local charities in 2020 and will consider all applications submitted that give details of the charity and what money would be used for (if the application is successful).

Applications should be submitted by email attachment to rotaryswimarathon.nz@gmail.com before 31st May 2020.

Aquatics Manager, Martin French receives a Certificate of Appreciation from 
RotarySwimarathon Committee Chair, Brian Mullan