Midmar Mile race moved one month
JOBURG – Holding the event later in the year is also not off the cards, organisers said.
The iconic Midmar Mile swim has been moved one month later this year.
The race committee of the 48th aQuellé Midmar Mile made the decision to move the event to 13 and 14 March in light of South Africa entering its second wave of Covid-19 infections.
“Safety is always the highest priority at the aQuellé Midmar Mile,” said race director Wayne Riddin, “and this year we obviously have many additional considerations with regard to Covid-19 and minimising the risk of transmission at events.
“We are also respectful of the pressure that hospitals and medical staff are under at this time. Time on duty plus the possibility of a medical emergency at the event would only place further demands on medical staff which we would all agree is not necessary.”
People travel from all over South Africa to Midmar Dam, KwaZulu-Natal, for the swim which is celebrated for its promotion of charity.
Riddin added that current regulations did not allow for swimmers to train in open water, and many were struggling to find a pool while dams, rivers and beaches remained closed to swimming.
Organisers are also in discussions with KZN Wildlife about whether the swim could be held over more than two days. Should this be practical and provide further safety, decisions will be taken swiftly and communicated immediately.
“All decisions will be taken in line with regulations in place and ultimately to reduce risk to all participants.
“We cannot become complacent within the current situation. The 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile will be a very different event to previous years, but we are confident we can deliver a safe event space for participants to enjoy one of the highlights in their swimming calendar.”
Holding the event later in the year is also not off the cards, organisers said.
