The swim marathon is January 27-29
Get pumped and share the news: The 29th annual Flying Fish swim marathon is January 27-29, 2023.

We're planning a full-fledged marathon (like the pre-Covid days) with unlimited friends and family on deck to cheer you on, and lots of fun prizes.
Key info
  • All Flying Fish swimmers who are part of the winter season should participate.
  • Each swimmer will swim as many lengths as possible for an hour in the upstairs pool. (Greenfish will swim for 30 minutes in the downstairs pool.)
  • Swimmers are assigned a time for their marathon swims based on practice groups.
  • Swimmers need to be accompanied by at least one person who will count their lengths. You can bring others to cheer you on, too!
Why we do the marathon
The marathon provides an important benchmark of swimming development and progress. And, it provides an opportunity for swimmers to challenge themselves and learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

The marathon is also a valuable fundraiser. Funds raised from the marathon help the YWCA:
  • provide healthy aquatic programming in a variety of ways;
  • offer scholarships/financial aid to those who otherwise would not be able to afford swim lessons or participation on the team;
  • keep our swim team dues reasonable;
  • support the families who access our domestic violence services and other social justice programs; and
  • bring violence prevention programming to local schools.

Want more about why the marathon matters? Read this piece from SwimSwam.
How to sign up for your swim
  • In the weeks ahead, you will receive an email from your coach with your group's scheduled time(s) for the marathon. Simply reply to your coach's email.
  • If you can't swim during your scheduled time, we will find a make-up time for you.
How to raise funds
You can raise funds in two ways:
  1. Solicit supporters on your own.
  2. Create an online fundraising page. (When you click on this link or the orange button below, scroll down to "create my own fundraising page.")

If you solicit sponsors on your own, you can collect checks (made out to YWCA Evanston/North Shore) or cash.

Not sure how many lengths you'll be able to swim? Email your coach for an estimate.

Our fundraising goal is $50,000.
Prizes
We will recognize the highest total lengths swum per age group at the end of the season.

To inspire fundraising, we'll offer these prizes for swimmers who raise the following amounts:
  • $0-$74 -- bag tag
  • $75-$174 -- swim cap or magnet
  • $175-$324 -- t-shirt
  • $325-$524 -- ice skating party
  • $525-$724 -- personalized Flying Fish towel
  • $725-$874 -- flick and float pool/movie party at the YWCA
  • $875 and above -- custom Flying Fish Crocs

Please note that the prizes are cumulative. For example, if you raise $175-$324 you'll receive the bag tag, swim cap or magnet, and the t-shirt.
Thank you
Many thanks to our swimmers, parents, family members, and caregivers for being part of the marathon and the Flying Fish community. We couldn't do it without you!

If you're interested in donating to the marathon or sponsoring a swimmer, contact Pete.
YWCA Flying Fish | 847-864-8445 | flyingfish@ywca-ens.org | www.ywca-ens.org