Going the historical extra mile
01 February 2011
This year will be no different as the city once again hosts the famous, challenging and exciting Redhouse River Mile towards the end of February.
“Started in 1924, the event was first hosted by the then Redhouse Swimming Club to attract swimmers to the river. The event is steeped in history and has come a far way since its humble beginnings with around 1 000 swimmers from around the country taking part each year,” said organiser Michael Zoetmulder.
Those intrepid swimmers will brave not the Swartkops River as is traditional, but will race the mile in the Sundays River on Sunday, February 27. “Unfortunately, the Swartkops River no longer meets the standards for the race, but this has not spelt the end of the event. In fact hosting the Redhouse River Mile at Sundays River has put a new spin on this historic event.”
The field for this year’s race will prove to be a crowd-pleaser. World 10km Champion, Chad Ho from KwaZulu-Natal will be looking for his third straight win whilst Cape Town-based Dominique Drying is also searching for her hat-trick.
“Locally we have an abundant source of talent which could upset the plans of the national swimmers with Chris van de Sande, Wayne and Jason Jones and Hanre Barnard leading the Men’s challenge whilst African champion Jessica Roux will be holding off the likes of Michaele Barnes, Carmel and Lauren Billson who are all in top form this year,” noted Zoetmulder.
The Redhouse River Mile is followed avidly by its supporters. Over 5 000 spectators and participants are expected to pack the route on February 27. This year also sees the highest prize money purse in the history of the event as well as the lucky draw of no fewer than four Jonway Motorcycles courtesy of AutoTrust and Jonway.
See www.rivermile.co.za for further information on the event and the full action packed program planned for 2011.
Please wait!
