Midmar Mile-Largest Open Water Swimming Event in the World
by Karen Greyling
What always strikes me about the Midmar Mile is its carnival-like atmosphere. There is a lively spirit – a buzz of excitement and anticipation. People of all ages and from all over the world bunch together on a starting line that promises a crowded, choppy, long swim to the other side, where swimmers exit the water with a look of triumph and joy on their faces. Sort of like a really long labour that produces a plump, healthy baby.
People camp under a rainbow of umbrellas and trees around the dam, where a myriad of flavours from food stalls entice the taste buds. Interesting stalls selling anything from swimming gear to jewellery, bags and toys keep the shoppers happy and a fun-fare is the cherry-on-top for the kids. A beer garden is strategically placed next to the sound stage, which this year hosted a rocking Jason Hartman of Idols fame.
The Midmar Mile has become a landmark event for open-water swimmers, and I’m told that once you’ve competed in The Midmar Mile, you will be back!
The first Midmar Mile was swum in 1973 and attracted 153 competitors. The youngest swimmer was 10 years old. It has changed somewhat over time! A steady growth saw the first women’s entries in 1975 (although they were not officially recognised) and by 1977 more than 1000 swimmers entered to swim, among them some of SA’s top swimmers.
In 1999, over 10 000 swimmers finished the race and in 2009 the Midmar Mile made its way into the Guinness Book of Records with around 16 000 entrants.
The 2011 event again drew crowds from far and wide. The first event on Saturday featured various disabled categories (as well as Ironman and Ironwoman competitors) and was truly inspiring. Craig Groenewald (left) won in the mentally disabled category for the 13th time out of 13 swims – quite some achievement!
Crowds also gathered to catch a glimpse of our own faerie tale princess, previous Olympic swimmer, Charlene Whitstock, who will be marrying Prince Albert of Monaco in the near future. Other celebrity draw-cards included ‘The Human Polar Bear, Lewis Pugh’ as well as our swimming hero, Roland Schoeman, both of whom accompanied the future princess in her swim.