About
London-first. River-first. Athlete-led.
Swim London is being built as a premium open-water event on the Thames, combining elite standards, responsible safety planning and a cleaner-river mission.
Overview
About Swim London
Swim London is a new premium open-water swimming event on the River Thames, created to give swimmers the chance to take on one of the most unique challenges in the capital.
On Sunday 6 September 2026, swimmers will race with the tide from Brentford Marina or Barnes towards Putney, taking in some of West London’s most recognisable river landmarks along the way. With 10 km and 5 km options, the event is designed for confident swimmers looking for a fun, professionally organised and unforgettable London swim.
We are building Swim London because the Thames deserves to be seen as more than a backdrop. It is one of London’s great public spaces, and we believe it can play a bigger role in the city’s sporting, cultural and environmental future.
Our vision is to create London’s next iconic participation event: a river swim that celebrates the city, showcases the Thames, raises standards for safe urban swimming and helps build momentum towards a cleaner, more swimmable future.
Experience
What to expect
Swim London is designed to be fun, unique, professionally organised and unlike any other swim in the capital. This is a timed, tide-assisted river swim through one of the most iconic stretches of the Thames, built for swimmers who want a proper London challenge with a premium event-day experience.
The swim
Swimmers will start in waves, with the 10 km beginning at Brentford Marina and the 5 km beginning at Barnes. Both distances follow the flow of the Thames towards Putney, using the tide to create a fast, memorable “swoosh” downriver.
Along the way, swimmers will pass some of West London’s most recognisable river landmarks, including Kew, Chiswick Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge, Craven Cottage, Putney and sections of the famous Boat Race course.
Every swimmer will wear a timing chip, and all finishers will receive a Swim London swim hat and medal.
The support
The event will be supported by a comprehensive safety team, with multiple boats on the river looking after swimmers throughout the course.
Tow floats will be required for all swimmers. Wetsuits will be optional.
There will not be feed stations on the route, so swimmers should be prepared to complete their chosen distance continuously. If a swimmer needs to withdraw, they will be able to exit early with support from the event safety team.
The standard
Swim London is open to swimmers aged 18 and over.
The 10 km is for swimmers who can confidently complete the full distance. The 5 km is the recommended option for those looking for a shorter, fun and memorable London swim challenge.
Swimmers will not need to provide proof of previous swim completion, but everyone entering should be confident in their ability to complete their chosen distance. Final cut-off times and full swimmer guidance will be released before entries open.
The finish
The finish will be at Putney, where swimmers will arrive into the Swim London event village.
The event village will be a place to enjoy the atmosphere after the swim, with food and drinks, music, toilets, showers, bag collection and award ceremonies.
Spectators will be able to watch from points along the river and follow swimmers down the Thames Path as they make their way towards the finish.
Swim London is built around the river. The Thames is the heart of the event, and this is a chance to take part in London’s next iconic swim.
Gallery
The spirit of the swim.
Moments from the river, the finish line, and the community that brings Swim London to life.
Testimonials
Voices from
the river.
Olympians, swim leaders and event founders on what Swim London means — and where it's heading.
“Honoured to win the first modern Lords and Commons trophy after a 75 year hiatus. This event has a very bright future.”
“We made history in the Thames so that safe swimming can become the future. This first stroke was for clean water and the right for everyone to enjoy it.”
“An inspiring event to be a part of, with a real sense of community and the feeling of the start of something great — with bigger and more exciting events to come.”
“I'm excited to see the return of swimming events to the tidal Thames. Swimming with the current promises to produce fast, tactical racing among the elites and a fun swoosh down the river for the rest of us.”
“What an unforgettable experience last summer, joining the Olympian swimmers on their River Thames 'swoosh' from Kew Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge. While they covered the full course a touch faster than us, our group swam a shorter stretch — and we all finished just in time to cheer them across the line at Hammersmith.”
“The return of competitive racing to The Tidal Thames marks the rebirth of this great river and the moment it was reclaimed by swimming public”
Mission
Swimming for a cleaner, more accessible Thames.
We believe London should have cleaner, safer, more accessible urban waterways. Swim London champions that future through responsible events, education, partnerships and water-quality awareness.
Tone
Premium, calm, responsible.
We will not market Swim London on bravado. The Thames deserves better. We talk about the river honestly, design the event properly, and let the swim speak for itself.