The event
One river, two distances, one finish at Putney.
Swim London is a tide-assisted Thames swim built around professional event standards, capable participation and a cleaner-river mission.
How race day ran in 2026
Sunday 6 September 2026 — waves from 11:15.
These were the 2026 timings. Timings for 2027 will be published once the date is confirmed.
10 km first wave
11:15
Brentford — Sunday 6 September 2026
5 km first wave
12:10
Barnes — Sunday 6 September 2026
First finishers
13:00–14:00
Putney Embankment, outside Imperial Boathouse
Finish: Putney Embankment, outside Imperial Boathouse. Both distances finish here on Sunday 6 September 2026, with the event village, awards and refreshments at the finish.
Festival partner
Presented by Swim London as part of Totally Thames 2026.
A single race day
One race day on the tidal Thames, with the river working in your favour. In 2026, 10 km waves went from 11:15 and 5 km waves from 12:10.
Brentford, Barnes, Putney
10 km from Brentford. 5 km from Barnes. Both distances finish at Putney Embankment, outside Imperial Boathouse.
Capable swimmers
Built for experienced open-water swimmers and triathletes. Minimum age 18. Tow floats required.
Professional event standards
Coordinated with the Port of London Authority, professionally planned and water-quality aware.
What it is
A river swim, designed responsibly.
Swim London is built around the strengths of the Thames — its scale, its bridges and its tide. The event is designed to make a meaningful swim possible without compromising safety, permissions or river stakeholders.
Who it’s for
Capable open-water swimmers and triathletes.
Swim London is not an introduction to open-water swimming. It is a proper London distance for capable athletes who already train in open water and want a worthy challenge in the capital.
