Welcome return for 2022 aQuellé Midmar Mile

Thousands of swimmers will make a welcome return to Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal as the aQuellé Midmar Mile reverts to its regular slot in the second weekend of February this year.

After a Covid-induced change to the popular event last year, swimmers can expect a more familiar feel to the 2022 edition which will be held from 12-13 February, with the charity events taking place from 10-11 February.

With a star-studded field of swimmers expected to take part, the elite event will be a hugely competitive one, while social swimmers can look forward to the return of the usual fun, social vibe over the weekend.

Race Director Wayne Riddin explained: “We are thrilled that the aQuellé Midmar Mile can go ahead as planned this year. Obviously all Covid protocols will be observed and the event will be run according to the extremely high safety standards that swimmers have come to expect over the years.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming back some big names in open water swimming including our own Olympians for the elite races.

“As usual we will also be hosting the phenomenal charity side of the event which raises millions for good causes across the country each year.”

The names of those in the elite field will be announced shortly. A limited-field elite event was held in 2021 with Michelle Weber and Michael McGlynn emerging as the women’s and men’s winners. The duo then went on to represent the country at the Olympic Games in Tokyo later in the year.

Social swimmers were encouraged to participate in a virtual event last year and will be relishing a return to the dam in 2022.

Also making a return this year is the specific category for disabled swimmers, who will swim on Saturday morning, 12 February. The event for girls 13 and under together with the women 31 and over will take place on Sunday morning, 13 February, with the boys 13 and under and men 31 and over also on Sunday, followed by the rest of the competitive categories. The top-20 seeded swimmers will contest their own elite race on Sunday with the time to be announced shortly.

Swimmers are reminded that the second entry deadline for the aQuellé Midmar Mile is fast approaching on 31 January. For more information on how to enter, event details and deferment of 2021 entries, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Meanwhile, the final seeding event for the aQuellé Midmar Mile is the Lake Heritage Water Festival at Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge in Muldersdrift, Gauteng which takes place from 22-23 January 2022. Entries can be made via the Midmar Mile website.