Organisers of the Cape Mile, the province’s most popular open water swim, have announced it will not be held next year.
“For the past five years the Cape Mile was ‘the open water swim to do’ in the Western Cape,” says Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports. “Entry totals climbed each year, with a strong field of South Africa’s elite swimmers vying for the top spot on the podium and their share in an impressive prize purse. Spectators, families and friends were treated to nail-biting racing which often ended in a sprint finish. The festival village buzzed with excitement with live entertainment and lots to eat and drink. These offerings – and more – were made possible through the valued sponsorship of Sanlam, the title sponsor of the event since 2015.”
But with Sanlam not renewing its sponsorship of the event, usually held at Eikenhof Dam in Grabouw, the event will no longer take place. “Unfortunately hosting an event of this magnitude is not sustainable without a title sponsor. Rather than compromising its reputation, it has been decided that the Cape Mile will not continue in 2020, making 2019 the event’s swansong,” Meyer added.
“Although saddened by the decision, we are thankful to Sanlam for their valued support over the last five years. We are also thankful to each and every swimmer for his and her contribution. We know that the Cape Mile will not be forgotten.”
