Participants began the new year on a high note as the 2026 New Year’s Challenge wrapped up successfully on the evening of December 31st. The annual event celebrates aquatics in the Richmond region while also promoting a more active and safe new year. Further, proceeds of the event help to fund SwimRVA’s mission-based programming.
During this event, swimmers select a number of 100-yard swims to complete on a consistent interval, with goals ranging anywhere from 5x100s to 100x100s. Success is not measured by how far or fast you swim, or even if you matched your set goal heading into the event; rather, success is found by having fun and starting the new year on a positive and healthy note.
Fast Facts
- This year, participants pledged to complete a total of 4,011 x 100s, which was accomplished (and then some!) with a final count of 4,165 x 100s swum.
- 17 swimmers individually recorded 100 or more 100s with the high at 120.
- Participant ages ranged from under 10 to over 80 years old
- We saw both new and old faces this year, as some took on the challenge for the first time while others hit 10+ years of participation
- Proceeds from the New Year’s Challenge goes towards:
- The Learn-To-Swim program, which strives to make the community safer and healthier by providing cost-free swim lessons to under-resourced public schools, targeting youth who otherwise might not have the opportunity to learn to swim
- Workforce development, where we teach future lifeguards to create and maintain safe environments for swimmers of all ability levels. This also includes our lifeguard school, which is designed to take high school students from little swim ability to certified lifeguards
- East End Continuum, which provides cost-free, year-round swimming in Richmond’s East End to increase safety and health equity
- & various programming designed to empower every kind of swimmer
Up Next
Want to keep the challenge going? SwimRVA’s Winter Open Water program kicks off this Sunday (January 4th) and runs monthly up until the Downriver Rip in May. The Hammerheads Masters program and PUPS Developmental program both run consistently throughout the year for those interested in daily workouts. More information can be found below:
Check it Out
View our full photo gallery from the 2026 New Year’s Challenge below!
