Midmar mile a huge success

THIS year’s 44th edition of the aQuellé Midmar Mile which took place during the weekend, was hailed by many as the best yet.

The edition was deemed as best due to near-perfect conditions unmarred by any serious incidents.

Despite a big thunderstorm on Saturday night, the weather at the dam and water was hot with the slight breeze not preventing the swimmers or change any gameplans.

While it was evident how much the water level has dropped in recent months, there was enough for the mile but the show went on.

The first four races were held on Saturday and the highly anticipated women and men races rounded off the show yesterday.

While the competitive winners deserved their moment in the spotlight, the race brought people of varying ages, races, sizes and physical abilities together with the majority of the swimmers completing a challenge, getting another precious medal or raising funds for noteworthy causes.

One such group was the 8 Mile Club whose swimmers completed every race.

Cancer charity, the Pink Drive was much in evidence and by midmorning yesterday an estimated R2 million had been raised for charity.

Schools travelled from far with Eunice High School from Bloemfontein one of many, with 181 girls participating, while a quarter of the Drakensberg Boys Choir swam.

Rescue and lifesaving personnel reported no major mishaps on the water and on dry land.