Swim Serpentine is a swimming event that takes place in the world-famous Serpentine Lake in London's Hyde Park. There are four distance options to choose from, making this the perfect event for an enjoyable and memorable open water swim.
Brought to you by the organisers of the London Marathon.
Swim in the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, London's largest Royal Park.
Festival day with inspirational speakers, kit and like-minded folk.
Full event details including location, route and photo gallery are on the Two mile listing.
These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity and complete the form to ask a question or get signed up.
Children
Every sick child needs a smile. Helping seriously and terminally ill children, to bring hope and support across the UK.
Sign up
£20
Fundraise
£300
Armed forces
Mentally, physically and socially wounded ex-service personnel and their families are supported to receive the help they deserve.
Sign up
£35
Fundraise
£300
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Social welfare
Information and support for people in the UK to build financial sustainability and thrive.
Sign up
£10
Fundraise
£300
Every year thousands of swimers take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the participant advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get training, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous participants.
Whether this is your first swim or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elites too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.
When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to wear on the big day, and often a charity swim hat for training.
When you're partway through your swim and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you glide past!
Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their participants. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who are supporting that cause.
You won't be the only person swimming for that charity, so it's well worth meeting others through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise training sessions, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to swimmers who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries are closed.
Swimming challenges and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you swim for?