News & Media
Double delight as SA swimmers dominate at Midmar
It was a day for South African celebrations as the Durban duo of Robyn Kinghorn and Michael McGlynn wrapped up the women and men’s titles at the aQuellé Midmar Mile.International swimmers have dominated the elite events in recent years with the last double home...
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Thousands converge on Midmar for day one action
The first day of the 47th edition of the aQuellé Midmar Mile got off to a soggy start but ended bathed in sunshine as four of the weekend’s eight races took place at Midmar Dam just outside Pietermaritzburg.The world’s largest open water swimming event attracted over...
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Ultimate test as eight swimmers bid to join Midmar’s 16-Mile Club
7 February 2020 – While over 13,000 swimmers will be making their way across Midmar Dam this weekend, just eight will attempt to complete the most gruelling challenge available at the aQuellé Midmar Mile. Those are the intrepid athletes who will be gunning to become...
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All set for memorable Midmar weekend
6 February 2020 – The final countdown to the 2020 aQuellé Midmar Mile officially began with the press launch of the event in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.The world’s largest open water swimming event will take place at Midmar Dam from 8-9 February.Speaking at the...
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Midmar water perfectly safe
5 February 2020 – It has been brought to the attention of the organisers of the annual aQuellé Midmar Mile that there are reports and concerns circulating with regards to the water quality at Midmar Dam following the Mpophomeni Wastewater Works spillage last year, and...
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Bristow keeps women’s Midmar legacy alive
5 February 2020 – Gail Bristow was just 14 years old when she lined up for her first aQuellé Midmar Mile. There was no medal waiting for her when she reached the other side of the dam, however. That’s because it was 1974, and women weren’t officially allowed to enter...
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British star determined to make Midmar amends
4 February 2020 – British swimming star Ashley Hogg has come nail-bitingly close to victory at the aQuellé Midmar Mile, and he’s determined this time he’ll top the podium. Hogg will be one of the main international threats, along with American Brendan Casey, in the...
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Olympian Weber targeting Midmar glory
30 January 2020 – She’s one of the country’s top open water swimming prospects, targeting her second Olympic Games, but for Michelle Weber, the aQuellé Midmar Mile is all about the festive vibe. The 2016 champion has been competing in the event from the age of 11,...
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Extended aQuellé Midmar Mile entry deadline approaching
23 January 2020 – Swimmers still planning to take part in the 2020 aQuellé Midmar Mile are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible, as the deadline for pre-entry is just days away. With organisers anticipating a late influx of entries for the world’s...
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Ho targets eighth Midmar crown
21 January 2020 – KwaZulu-Natal Swimmer Chad Ho will be chasing an elusive eighth title when he takes on a strong international field at the famous aQuellé Midmar Mile, taking place near Howick from 8-9 February. The two-time Olympian last won the race in 2016, when...
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Three reasons to enter a seeding event
You may have seen the term “seeding event” being used on the aQuellé Midmar Mile website or on our Facebook page, but not been sure what this refers to. In a nutshell, a seeding event is a chance to have a practise run before the aQuellé Midmar Mile on 8-9 February....
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Boost your freestyle form
Freestyle is the stroke chosen by many swimmers in the aQuellé Midmar Mile. While it is the first stroke that most of us learn as children and often considered the “easiest” stroke to master, there is strategy to this stroke, and following the tips below can make your...
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Four ways open water is different to the pool and how to prepare for it
If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of open water swimming, you’re in for an adventure! While the basics of your stroke remain the same, the dam is going to bring you challenges that you’ve never had to face in the pool – and with these challenges comes a whole...
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The open-water swimming calendar for 2019/2020
Entries to all seeding events in the 2019/2020 swimming season are now open. These events form the prequel to the 47th annual aQuellé Midmar Mile, which will take place at Midmar Dam on 8 and 9 February 2020. The season starts with a splash at the Sun City Swim, which...
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Race round-up of the 46th annual Mile
Despite a relatively chilly start to both days, conditions were optimal and the water relatively calm throughout the weekend for the 46th edition of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, held on 9 and 10 February. Thanks to the efforts of race director Wayne Riddin and his...
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Everything you need to know about the 46th Mile
The lead up to the 46th aQuellé Midmar Mile, to be held on 9 and 10 February, is in its final stretch. With preparations well underway at Midmar Dam and registration ready to roll from Wednesday at Cascades Lifestyle Centre, race director Wayne Riddin and his team are...
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146 official Midmar crossings and still going strong
For Mervyn Bremner, the best part of open water swimming is the feeling of total freedom. In 2019, Mervyn will attempt his 40th Consecutive aQuellé Midmar Mile – and his 147th to 154th Official Crossing of Midmar Dam. His love of swimming took him to the dam for the...
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What’s to love about the Lake Heritage Water Festival?
Lake Heritage Water Festival 2019 is just days away, with 3km, 5km, 1 200m and 600m swim events to suit every swimmer. Rather than tell you why we think this event is so great, we decided to get a few of our swimmers to tell us why they love this event so much. Here’s...
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Swimming eight miles to make a difference – meet Fallon Finlayson
Fallon Finlayson is a self-confessed water addict who took on her first aQuellé Midmar Mile in 2007. Looking back, she believes she was hooked right from the start. Two years later, she noticed that some people were swimming in special gold caps, and curiosity led her...
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Swim your way to health and happiness
While it may seem like we’re preaching to the choir, here are some great reminders of why swimming is arguably the best form of exercise there is. If you’re battling to get into training mode now that the weather is warming up, read on for some great inspiration....
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