75 Participants Sought for Charity Challenge Across Five Victorian Pools This Easter Monday

Who’s ready for their next adventure? Edinburgh Leisure is calling on spirited individuals for the 2026 Victorian Pool Crawl! It’s a one-of-a-kind aquathlon-style charity fundraiser, taking place on Easter Monday, 6th April 2026, across the city’s five beautiful Victorian swimming pools. Challengers will swim in each pool and then walk to the next, in doing so covering a half-marathon distance whilst raising essential funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme. Applications are now open for one of the 75 available places.

Event Details & Registration

Participants will swim up to 1 km at each of the five Victorian pools walk a total of 16 km, in one challenging, inspiring day. Each applicant is asked to secure a minimum of £350 in donations, with all proceeds supporting Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure’s charity programme which supports people with barriers to being active. Once accepted, a £20 registration fee secures your spot on the Pool Crawl. Every participant will receive an exclusive event t-shirt, swim cap, locker token, swim training plan, finisher’s goody bag, and entry to a prize draw for a year’s Edinburgh Leisure Swim Membership.

Why Support Active Communities?

Yearly, over 14,700 local people benefit from Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which offers activities and support to those facing poverty, disabilities, health challenges, and other inequalities. This Easter Monday, your efforts will help create healthier, more active lives for our neighbours who need it most.

“Active Communities is at the heart of our mission to transform Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing. Every year we help thousands of people across the city overcome barriers to being active by accessing the support and activities they need for a healthier life” says Rachael McCrea, Head of Funding. “The Victorian Pool Crawl is not only a celebration of our city’s heritage pools, but also a vital fundraiser. We’re excited to welcome a new group of participants to make a real difference this year.”

Returning participant Marek Bernat told us, “Completing the final lane last year was tough, but extremely rewarding. We all knew our efforts would help fund local community programmes, and that was a true highlight. It’s an unforgettable challenge.”