The Midmar Mile has been confirmed for next month and organisers promise a “more familiar” feel, after last year’s changes through Covid-19.
Said race director Wayne Riddin: “We are thrilled that the Midmar Mile can go ahead as planned this year.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming back some big names in open water swimming, including our own Olympians for the elite races.
“As usual we will also be hosting the phenomenal charity side of the event which raises millions for good causes across the country each year.”
Thousands of swimmers are set to make a welcome return to the aQuellé-backed event, as it reverts to its regular slot in the second weekend of February this year.
After a Covid-induced change to the popular event last year, swimmers can expect a more familiar feel to the 2022 edition which will be held on February 12-13.
Some charity events will be taking place on February 10 to 11. Meanwhile, the final seeding event for the Midmar Mile for up-country swimmers is the Lake Heritage Water Festival at Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, this weekend.
Elite event
With a star-studded field of swimmers expected to take part, the elite event will be a hugely competitive one, while social swimmers can look forward to the return of the usual fun, social vibe over the weekend.
The names of those in the elite field will be announced shortly.
A limited-field elite event was held in 2021 with Michelle Weber and Michael McGlynn emerging as the women’s and men’s winners. The duo then went on to represent the country at the Olympic Games in Tokyo later in the year.
The top-20 seeded swimmers will contest their own elite race on Sunday with the time to be announced shortly.
Social swim
Social swimmers were encouraged to participate in a virtual event last year and will be relishing a return to the dam in 2022.
Also making a return this year is the specific category for disabled swimmers, who will swim on Saturday morning, February 12. The event for girls 13 and under together with the women 31 and over will take place on the Sunday morning, February 13, with the boys 13 and under and men 31 and over also on Sunday, followed by the rest of the competitive categories.
Swimmers are reminded that the second entry deadline of January 31 for the Midmar Mile is fast approaching.
