Redhouse Mile Swim turns 84

Defending champion Velia Janse van Rensburg, seven-times winner of the SPAR Redhouse River Mile, pictured in action during the 2007 event. Picture: Leon Hugo courtesy Redhouse River Mile

The 2008 SPAR Redhouse River Mile, in association with the Weekend Post, Africa’s oldest open water swimming event, will be taking place at Redhouse Village on Sunday 17th February. 

For the 9th consecutive year, SPAR, Eastern Cape will be the title sponsors of this historic swimming event in conjunction with 9 other associate sponsors. In this, its 84th year, Eastern Province Aquatics will be hoping to attract a record entry of participants to the SPAR Redhouse River Mile, following the huge success of local open water events like the SPAR Ocean Racing Series.

Martin Webber, Marketing Manager of SPAR says "Our affiliation with the Redhouse River Mile is synonymous with the SPAR culture of family, fun, fitness and a healthy lifestyle. SPAR remains committed to making a contribution to the community by supporting events of this nature. The 2008 SPAR Redhouse River Mile promises to be a day of all round enjoyment for the entire family."

The program of events kicks off at noon on Saturday 16th February with the handing out of registration packs to the first 450 entrants in this year’s Mile events.

Sunday’s program kicks off at 11h30 with the 10 and under and 12 and under races across the river. At noon there will be the new inclusion in the program, the Blueseventy Mile which is specifically for swimmers in wetsuits. This will be followed by the Disabled Mile at 12h30, the Ladies Mile at 13h30 and the Men’s Mile at 14h30.

"Not only the oldest, but still growing in stature with increasing entry numbers year after year, the Redhouse River Mile has proved to be one of the premium open water events on the domestic open water swimming calendar.

"There’s no doubt that this year’s event will live up to expectations and continue to grow as a well supported recreational open water swimming event.", said Thian de Jager, Eastern Province Aquatics.

Entry forms can be obtained from all Eastern Cape SPAR outlets, local Virgin Active Leisure Centers, Brian Band Sports and Brockett Sports. Interested participants are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted entry fee by entering online at the Redhouse River Mile website , while late entries will be accepted at race registration on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th February, with a late entry fee being charged.