MENLO PARK, Calif. (KRON) — Aleksei Averchenko, a swim coach, began a 12-hour swimming marathon Wednesday morning in Menlo Park to raise money for student athletes. Averchenko is undertaking the challenge after a serious accident forced him to relearn how to walk and swim. His goal is to swim more than 26 miles during the event. The fundraiser aims to provide scholarships and equipment for the 40 children who are part of Averchenko’s First Youth Triathlon Team.