THE 52nd aQuellé Midmar Mile, taking place from February 6-9, 2025, is once again making waves for charity. Over the years, the event has raised millions of rands for various charitable causes, growing into a fundraising platform.

Since launching its charity initiative in 2016, the aQuellé Midmar Mile started with 120 swimmers, raising over R1 million for seven large and 11 smaller charities. By 2023, participation had expanded to 212 individual swimmers in the Charity 8-Mile and 21 swimmers in the Charity 16-Mile.

Also read: Mother’s 8-Mile Midmar mission

While the 2025 Charity Challenge will primarily focus on individual swimmers, teams of up to four members will be considered for both the Charity 8-Mile and Charity 16-Mile. Each swimmer must pay an entry fee, but as a team they will work together to raise the necessary funds for their chosen cause.

One of the beneficiary organisations this year is the Durban and Coast SPCA, which will be supported by four teams of swimmers. These teams are rallying support to help the SPCA continue its essential work — providing food, veterinary treatment, and care for animals that have been neglected, injured, or abandoned.

Beyond its charitable impact, the aQuellé Midmar Mile remains one of the most prestigious  swimming events in the world. Race Director Wayne Riddin has promised another spectacular edition, with thousands of swimmers expected to take on the Midmar Dam challenge.

Also read: Kloof gran to swim her 37th Midmar Mile

“This year’s event promises to be one of the best yet. We can’t wait to welcome swimmers of all levels – from first-timers to the elite of world swimming – to join us for what will be a memorable weekend on the water.

“That’s exactly what makes the aQuellé Midmar Mile such an awesome event; it caters for absolutely everyone, from those who are simply looking to complete the challenge of successfully finishing a mile swim, to those who are out to win the race and create history.”