Maru at the BUSL National Finals 2026

Maru at the BUSL National Finals 2026

On 7th March 2026, Maru partnered with the British University Swimming League (BUSL) for their National Finals, and what a day it was. Held at Cardiff International Pool & Gym, the event brought together 37 universities, with both men's and women's teams from across the UK for fast-paced, high-energy competitive swimming. We came armed with kit and enthusiasm.

What Is the British University Swimming League?

For those unfamiliar, BUSL is a student-run swimming league that operates across universities in the UK. Born from the National University Development League, it was built from the ground up by students, for students, with affordability and inclusivity at its core.
The league runs in three phases throughout the academic year, guiding teams from local face-offs to national glory. Phase 1 has teams compete in local duel meets, keeping travel costs low. Phase 2 is a conference championship gala, where teams fight for a spot in the National Finals. Phase 3, the National Finals, is the pinnacle of the season, bringing together the best university swimming teams in the country.
The growth of BUSL has been remarkable. From 16 teams and 300 swimmers at the Birmingham 2022 Finals, the league expanded to a 40-team roster by 2026, with over 600 swimmers taking part. It's a community going from strength to strength.

University Swimming at Its Best: BUSL National Finals 2026

Finals day at Cardiff International Pool was electric. With 37 teams competing, the poolside buzzed as students cheered, warmed up, and enjoyed the moment. The energy carried through every heat.
The BUSL format is part of what makes it so watchable. While it includes standard sprint events, the programme also features crowd-pleasing additions such as skins races, cannon relays, and mixed relays, giving the day a festival feel. This blend keeps the competition fierce, yet the atmosphere remains inclusive, a space where a former national swimmer and a student returning to the sport after years away can line up for the same team.
On the day, the University of York claimed the shield with an impressive 555 points. Meanwhile, the University of Bath retained the cup for the second year running with 536 points. This was a fantastic showcase of university swimming at its best.

Maru Swim Kit at the BUSL National Finals

Being at the event meant putting Maru kit, including goggles, swim caps, kickboards, pull buoys, and fins, into the hands of competitors. The colour-coordinated selection was a hit, especially with the women's teams, who appreciated the long hair caps. The lesson was clear: next time, bring more!

Discovering the Maru Front Snorkel for the First Time

Amidst the activity, one moment stood out. A swimmer from Falmouth University spotted the Maru front snorkels and couldn't believe we made them. His face lit up, he grabbed one, and headed straight for the warm-up pool.
That spontaneous, genuine reaction is exactly why Maru believes in getting kit into swimmers' hands. There's no substitute for someone jumping in a pool and discovering the products for themselves.

Maru Swim and BUSL

All in all, this was the start of Maru's involvement with BUSL, and it won't be the last. University swimming is one of the most vibrant and growing corners of the sport in the UK, and BUSL sits at the heart of it. A league run entirely by students, built around making swimming accessible and affordable, it's a community that aligns closely with everything Maru stands for.
Looking ahead, we're excited to build on this partnership as the season continues. If you're a university swimmer or part of a swimming club, take the next step and visit maruswim.com to browse the full range from goggles and caps to fins, kickboards, pull buoys, and more. Don't miss out on elevating your swim experience this season!

Congratulations to the University of York and the University of Bath on their victories. Here's to the next one.
Back to maru-blog