Midmar Mile
The Midmar Mile, is recognised as the world's largest open water swim. The race was established in 1973, when three friends, Mike Arbuthnot, Dick Park and Brian Glover, who were unable to compete in the Buffalo Mile in East London due to petrol restrictions, so they decided to stage a race of their own at the Midmar Dam, located just west of Pietermaritzburg.
The first Midmar Mile hosted a field of only 153 competitors, with the
youngest entrant being only ten years old. The winner of the race was Trevor
Strydom, and Owen Ryan and Martin Godfrey finished second and third. Since those
early days of the race Godfrey has competed every year, except for one event.
Mike Arbuthnot and Mike Pengelly are the only two individuals to hold the
distinction of having taken part every single year.
Since the humble beginnings of the race, the Midmar Mile, has grown
significantly, and now draws thousands of competitors from across the globe,
varying in age and capability from serious athletes such as olympic medalists
Ryk Neethling and Natalie Du Toit, to purely recreational swimmers.
A unique feature of the Midmar Mile, is that although the distance covered by the swimmers is always a mile, in years with less rainfall, the level of the dam drops, and the actual distance swum by competitors is slightly less. In these conditions swimmers are subjected to the infamous sprint start, which sees competitors trying to sprint through the mud and shallows, until a depth suitable to swim in is reached.
In order to accommodate for the vast number of entrants, the swimmers
swim out in several groups at two-minute intervals, in eight batches over two
days. The group division is based on a qualifying time in a previous event, with
the fastest group leaving first.
In 2009, the organisers of the Midmar Mile decided it was time that the event
received official recognition as the world's largest open water swimming event,
and contacted the Guinness Book of World Records to make this happen. Due to
global economic recessions, the rate of entries was slow, and it was feared that
the organisers would not meet the target of required entries to set the record,
however a last minute increase in numbers saw the total number of participants
grow to over 17,000. That figure will be entered into the Guinness Book of World
Records, along with the 3,110 finishers - the most ever in a single event, the
non-company relay.
The race is usually held during the warm month of February. For more information on the midmar Mile, including online entries for next year visit www.midmarmile.co.za
Accommodation Near Midmar Mile
Sunbird Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Howick
4.9km from Midmar MileExclusive use by guests. Guest Lounge with TV, off street parking with remote controlled access, log cabin type outdoor gazebo with fireplace. Two separate private sleeping wings. Malaria Free Area. English breakfast or alternatives by prior ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cedarwood
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Howick
4.9km from Midmar MileOur furnished, self catering house has four beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, two of which are family rooms and a loft room - comfortably sleeping 10 adults and 6 children …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hillhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Dargle
5.6km from Midmar MileHillhouse Accommodation was featured in Elle Decoration - The Country Issue June/July 2013. Also in House and Leisure - The Travel Issue, 101 Dream escapes in May 2015. Again in Getaway mag 2015 and Midlands life in 2008. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
St Ives
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Lions River
7.3km from Midmar MileSt Ives Lodge and Venue is situated in the heart of the Lions River Valley in the KZN Midlands. This 140-hectare Family Owned & Managed Estate offers something for everyone. The Estate Boasts A Luxury Lodge with Wild Animals Roaming the Grounds... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
King's Hill Bed and Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hilton
11.1km from Midmar MileKing's Hill B & B is situated in the picturesque village of Hilton, the gateway to the Natal Midlands & has beautiful views of the Cedara Valley. We can accommodate a maximum of 6 people sharing in 2 tastefully decorated, non-smoking rooms... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kusane Farm Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Howick
11.3km from Midmar MileKusane Farm Cottage is perched high above the stunning Karkloof valley, midway between Howick and Curry's Post on the Midlands Meander, with its fine restaurants and shopping. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hilton View Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hilton
12km from Midmar MileWe have 4 Bedrooms, 3 twins plus a family room with a Queen and two single beds. All rooms have coffee making facilities and their own Bathrooms, with TV's and fridges in three. Two rooms have balconies with lovely views. We have a magnificent Air... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
