THE search is on to find swimmers in Marlborough who are willing to take the plunge and join a swimathon to raise money for Sport Relief.

Marlborough College is opening its swimming pool on Saturday, March 19, to plucky participants, as is Marlborough Leisure Centre on March 19 and 20, for the nationwide competition.

Competitors can set their own individual distance, or work in a team to form a relay squad to tackle the 1.5k (60 lengths), 2.5k (100 lengths) and 5k (200 lengths) distances.

The swimathon, part of the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief games, is the world’s biggest fundraising swimming event with thousands of people being sponsored to jump into over 600 pools around the UK.

Marlborough College is also having an open morning on Saturday, February 20 between 9am to 11am. People can enjoy a complimentary swim, followed by a chat over tea and coffee with pool manager, Martin Shaw and his team of coaches.

Mr Shaw said: “The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief swimathon is a fantastic way to bring our community together, while providing ample opportunity to get fit and healthy in the pool.

“Marlborough residents can take the plunge themselves, along with family and friends to complete a swimming challenge of their choice.”

Since 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £262 million. The money raised by the public is spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives, across the UK and the world’s poorest communities.

Those interested in completing the swimathon at Marlborough College’s swimming pool can register online at swimathon.org or call Mr Shaw on 07747758107.