In light of the current second wave of Covid-19 infections, the organizers of South Africa’s most popular open water swimming competition, the Midmar Mile, has made the decision to move the event out by one month to 13 & 14 March 2021.

The committee said in a statement that they are aware of the inconvenience that moving the event may cause to some entrants. However, they believe that the need to ensure the safety of participants and their extended families must take priority in these challenging times.

“Safety is always the highest priority at the Midmar Mile 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,” said Race Director Wayne Riddin.

Riddin added that current regulations do not allow for swimmers to train in open water, and many are struggling to find a pool, while dams, rivers and beaches remain closed to swimming. The postponement to 13 & 14 March will therefore give entrants extra time to prepare for what will be the 48^th Midmar Mile.

Together with input from representatives from KZN Wildlife and the safety committee, the race committee is investigating the feasibility of holding the events over more than two days. Should this be both practical and provide an extra safety element, 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,” said Riddin.

He pointed out that they cannot become complacent within the current situation. The 2021 Midmar Mile will be a very different event to previous years, but they are confident that they can deliver a safe event space for participants to enjoy one of the highlights in their swimming calendar.

“We feel taking this decision now is best for everyone involved as we plan the detail over the next few weeks,” Riddin concluded.

Depending on the government’s next announcement and the level of lockdown, some further changes may still need to be made, including the possibility of holding the event even later on in the year.

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