YWCA Flying Fish Swim Marathon
January 24 - February 2
It's time for our 26th annual swim marathon!
Here's how the marathon works
During the marathon, each Flying Fish swimmer swims as many lengths as possible in a one-hour period. Greenfish swim for 30 minutes. The marathon is a mandatory event for every swimmer on the team because it's an important benchmark of swimming development. (We'll share more about that as the marathon gets closer.)

Swimmers solicit sponsors for each length they swim and can win prizes based on how much money they raise. (You'll find a copy of our prize sheet here.)

Our coaches will prepare them for this event over the next several weeks by focusing on endurance and longer swims. Even though it can seem daunting, each of our swimmers is capable of swimming for one hour.

On your swimmer's marathon day, he/she needs to have someone present to serve as a lap counter. It's also fun to have friends and family attend to cheer for them!
The marathon is a mandatory event for every swimmer on the team because it's an important benchmark of swimming development.
This is why we raise money
Through the marathon, Flying Fish swimmers raise money to help operate the swim team, our pools, and all the other programs that take place in our pools and at YWCA Evanston/North Shore.

The funds help the YWCA:
  • continue to provide healthy aquatic programming through the purchase of equipment and supplies for swimmers;
  • 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 -- much lower than many other youth sports and swim teams in the area;
  • support the families who access our domestic violence services; and
  • bring violence prevention programming to local schools.
Our swimmers help enhance our swim programs and support families in need, so the money they raise is reinvested in our local communities.
What each swimmer needs to do before the marathon
  • Solicit sponsors. Each swimmer will receive a pledge form in his/her folder at the YWCA. This form includes an estimate of how many lengths the swimmer will likely swim during the marathon. Swimmers can solicit sponsors on a "per length" basis (like $1 per length) or with a flat amount ($50 for the marathon regardless of lengths swum). Pledging an amount per length is a great motivator!

  • Sign up for a time to swim. We will have a schedule for each group and a link to sign up after the holiday break. Please note that during the marathon, our practice schedule will be modified. We will share our modified schedule after the break, also.
How to solicit sponsors to support your swim
The quickest and easiest way to solicit pledges is online. It's easy to set up your page, but if you need instructions, you'll find them here.
Swimmers can use their pledge forms and ask friends and family to sponsor them. They also can knock on doors to solicit pledges. You can find a blank copy of the pledge form here.
Our fundraising goal
Last year, we raised $80,000, which was a big boost to our aquatics program and all programs at YWCA. This year, we're hoping to build on that and raise $85,000.

Talk to your swimmer about his/her swimming goals and how that might align with a stretch fundraising goal.
Marathon prizes for swimmers
Every swimmer will receive a Flying Fish bag tag for participating.

Swimmers also will receive prizes based on amounts raised:
  • $75-$149: Flying Fish swim cap or bungee goggle strap
  • $150-$324: Above prizes and a Flying Fish t-shirt
  • $325-$474: Above prizes and ice skating party (in March)
  • $475-$574: Above prizes and bowling party (in March)
  • $575-$674: Above prizes and Flying Fish towel
  • $675-$899: Above prizes and Flying Fish hoodie
  • $900+: Above prizes and cool stuff TBD

You'll find the complete prize sheet here.

We also recognize swimmers with trophies for the most lengths swum per age group at our annual awards ceremony.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you to parents, family members, caregivers, and sponsors for your involvement and engagement in our Flying Fish and YWCA activities. We couldn't do it without you!

If you have questions about the marathon, please reach out to your child's coach.

If your business or family is interested in serving as a sponsor for the marathon, please contact Pete.
YWCA Flying Fish | 847-864-8445 | [email protected] | www.ywca-ens.org