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Full Race Map for United Airlines Half Marathon 2025

Swim Strong Foundations : First Half Marathon Team

Marathon Weekend Our Runners This year marks Swim Strong's first time participating in this iconic race, and we couldn't be prouder of our five incredible runners: Francisco, Ada, Ruihan, Judy, and Andrew. Each of them has a personal connection to our mission of water safety education and drowning prevention Race Course This year's half marathon is especially exciting because runners will cross the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time in NYRR race history! The 13.1-mile course takes runners from Prospect Park through Brooklyn, over the...

March 15, 2025Articles, Blog, EventsComments OffRead more...
Ada's Image: "Runner in white Nike tank top captured mid-run at a race, with other runners visible in the background against a tree-lined path at sunset" Francisco's Image: "Swim coach in grey t-shirt sitting poolside surrounded by young swimmers in purple swim caps and swimsuits, looking at a device" Judy's Image: "Runner in purple event t-shirt and black leggings standing on a city street after a race, with other participants and urban buildings visible in the background" Ruihan's Image: "Runner in black athletic wear standing with arms outstretched on a green hillside, with dramatic snow-capped Alpine mountains in the background" Andrew’s Image: “Man in a dark double-breasted suit and white shirt smiling warmly at the camera, standing against a backdrop of green-lit paneling and marble walls in a professional setting"

Runners Who Make a Splash!

Supporting life-saving swimming lessons, one mile at a time. Meet our incredible team running the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon to support Swim Strong Foundation's mission of water safety education. Our Amazing Fundraising Team Francisco Nieves: From Pool to Pavement A lifelong swimmer turned advocate, Francisco's journey from competitive swimming to coaching shows his dedication to water safety. His mission continues as he takes on the United Airlines Half Marathon to ensure more children have access to life-saving swim lessons. [Support Francisco's Campaign] Ada...

February 18, 2025Articles, Blog, EventsComments OffRead more...

Unveiling the Extraordinary Journey of Merle Liivand: A Story of Triumph and Environmental Advocacy

Full Video Introduction: In a world where challenges seem insurmountable and environmental issues loom large, there are individuals whose stories serve as beacons of hope and inspiration. One such individual is Merle Liivand, whose remarkable journey from adversity to triumph is nothing short of awe-inspiring. In this blog post, we delve into the captivating speech delivered by Merle Liivand, where she shares her extraordinary life story, her passion for swimming, and her unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy. The Journey Begins: Merle Liivand's journey is...

April 17, 2024Blog, Events, VideosComments OffRead more...

Swim Strong Foundation 2023 Holiday Raffle

The Holiday Raffle is Here  Enter Holiday Raffle 2023 ($50) Drawing made December 26th.   Proceeds to benefit the scholarship fund. Swim Strong Foundation is a 501c3 in New York City that provides affordable swim lessons and water safety education to families.   Our programs teach basic swim lessons through stroke enhancement classes for competitive swimmers of all ages. Swim Strong has taught more than 10,700 people to respect the water and develop strong swimming skills for safety, health, competition, recreation and employment opportunities.   2731 children...

December 20, 2023Blog, Events, PSAs, Videos, Comments OffRead more...

Water Safety Awareness Day Celebration | Swim 1922 | Watch Videos Here

Watch What Happened at the Water Safety Day (Swim 1922) 2023 Below What Did I Miss?: Summary of Events 2022 to 2023 Introductory Remarks: Swim Strong Founder Remarks: Gifting Of Swimming Scholarships: On Social Action for Water Safety: City Council Member Gives Updates: Surfrider Foundation on Water Safety Bill: Rockaway Water Safety Coalition on Water Safety Bill: FDNY: Learn About "Be A Match": Learn About NYC Ferry: Learn About Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation:

June 6, 2023Blog, Events, PSAs, VideosComments OffRead more...

Swim Strong Presents: “A Conversation about Water Safety” (Preview)

Did you know that every 70 seconds a person dies due to drowning? That for every death, 5 more people are suffering brain and spinal cord life changing injuries? Did you know that drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death globally??? But it doesn’t need to be this way. 95% of drowning and water based accidents are PREVENTABLE! Join Swim Strong Foundation for “A Conversation About Water Safety”. Contact  Shawn.Slevin@SwimStrongFoundation.org  to discuss bringing this program and others to your school and community.   Preview https://youtu.be/pAp3hGe7N_c  

June 19, 2020Blog, Events, Swim Strong in The News, VideosComments OffRead more...
swimming in Rawanda

Swim Strong in Africa

Come, share my wonderful adventure in East Africa!  I was drawn by a lifelong desire to participate in a photo safari….but that just scratched the surface. While there, I discovered that the African continent leads the world in drowning deaths at more than 20%.  That the ”hotspot” of drowning in Africa is at Lake Victoria, where every year more than 500 people die in its waters.  Not recreational swimmers….but people who made their livelihood on those waters. I was also able to...

September 6, 2019Events, PSAs, Swim Strong in The News, VideosComments OffRead more...