Swimmers from around South Africa are heading for Nelson Mandela Bay this weekend to take part in the historic SPAR Redhouse River Mile, taking place in Cannonville on the Sundays River.
Thousands of families are expected to converge on the quaint village of Cannonville from the early hours of Sunday morning to be part of Africa’s oldest open water swimming event. Started in 1924 the event celebrates its 88th anniversary this year and organisers, Zports, expect a bumper event supported by SPAR Eastern Cape and the seven associate sponsors, which have ensured that the 2012 event carries a cash prize pool R28 000.
“With just under 900 entries already having been received and good weather being forecast, we are expecting our busiest River Mile yet at Sundays River,” said Michael Zoetmulder of Zports.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile, was excited about the sustained growth of the event and its impact on tourism.
“We are firm believers in the value of events, especially sports events, in growing the credibility of Nelson Mandela Bay as a top events destination,” said Skefile. “The sheer number of participants and supporters in this year’s SPAR Redhouse River Mile just shows you the potential in sports events. The race goes a long way in contributing to unlocking the events potential of our region.
“NMBT would like to welcome all competitors, fans and visitors to our city. We hope you take some time to enjoy the unofficial watersports capital of Africa and our many city offerings. We also hope you rise to the SPAR Redhouse River Mile challenge, embracing the magic of Madiba our city is filled with.”
“The 2012 title will in no way be a one horse race,” quipped Zoetmulder. “Competition amongst the ladies particularly, is very stiff with swimmer champion Jessica Liss looking for revenge for her hashed 2011 swim where she led with 50m to go and then swam outside of the finish tunnel to allow top Ocean Racing Series swimmers, Carmen and Lauren Billson to snatch the top two spots. The spotlight in the Men’s race won’t necessarily be on the front runners, but on 79 year old, Mally Richards, who is looking to complete his 58th River Mile.”
“This year promises to be filled with much sporting excitement and we are very proud to once again be this year’s title sponsor of Africa’s oldest open-water swimming event,” said SPAR Eastern Cape Marketing Manager, Martin Webber. “Due to the poor water quality of the Swartkops River the venue for the 88th staging of this year’s river mile will again be along the banks of the Sundays River. As title sponsors for the past 13 years our goal is to see the event return to the Swartkops River and therefore have partnered with the Zwartkops Conservancy Trust.
SPAR are joined by associate sponsors aQuellé, Cerebos, Express Litho, Kingfisher FM, Eco Car and van Hire, Stormforce and the City Lodge Hotels Group in sponsoring the River Mile event for 2012.
The River Mile festival program of events kicks off on Sunday at 8am with the Discovery Off Road Trail Run and, an hour late, the Triathlon. The Stormforce kids preliminary races for novice swimmers 12 years and under sets off from 11:30am. The wetsuit and disabled mile swims start at 12:30 and then the premier Ladies mile follows at 1:30pm with the Men’s race starting 45-minutes later.
“The River Mile continues to be one of the city’s greatest social family events and this year will be no different with something for the whole family,” said Zoetmulder. “With a trail run, off-road triathlon, kids 12 yrs and under swim race and the Mile swim events we’re sure that everyone can get active this year. Plus we have the SAB beer garden, numerous vendors and displays and the Rotary Club of PE Sunrise children’s entertainment area to keep everyone entertained outside of the events. Entry into the grounds is free and we promise a great day out for all.”
Late entries will still be available online till Friday morning, thereafter only at the event on Sunday morning.
Choose from:
- 14 to 19 February – Antony and Cleopatra
- 15 February – Jomo Cosmos vs Kaizer Chiefs – NMB Stadium
- 15 February – Chevrolet Warriors vs Cape Cobras T20 – St Georges Park
- 17 February – Southern Kings vs Sharks – NMB Stadium
- 18 February – Concert in the Park
- 19 February – Orlando Pirates vs CRD Libolo – NMB Stadium
- 19 February – Concert in the Park
Alan Straton
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