Race goes extra mile for city, tourism
31 January 2012
Started in 1924 the event celebrates its 88th anniversary this year and organisers, Zports, expect a bumper event supported by SPAR Eastern Cape and the seven associate sponsors, which have ensured that the 2012 race carries a cash prize pool R28 000.
“Over 5 000 participants and spectators are expected to converge on the slipway area of Cannonville Village to witness one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s premier social events,” said Michael Zoetmulder of Zports, although he noted that entrants would be restricted to the first 1 000 mile participants.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile, was excited about the sustained growth of the event and its impact on tourism.
“We are firm believers in the value of events, especially sports events, in growing the credibility of Nelson Mandela Bay as a top events destination,” said Skefile. “The sheer number of participants and supporters in this year’s SPAR Redhouse River Mile just shows you the potential in sports events. The race goes a long way in contributing to unlocking the events potential of our region.
“NMBT would like to welcome all competitors, fans and visitors to our city. We hope you take some time to enjoy the unofficial watersports capital of Africa and our many city offerings. We also hope you rise to the SPAR Redhouse River Mile challenge, embracing the magic of Madiba our city is filled with.”
The race promises to be exciting. Triple River Mile Champion and SA Olympic swimmer, Chad Ho, from Kwazulu Natal is expected to return to defend his title, with competition increasing as the standard of EP open water swimming improves year on year.
“The title is no longer a one horse race,” quipped Zoetmulder. Competition amongst the ladies is very stiff with swimmer champion Jessica Liss looking for revenge for her hashed 2011 swim where she led with 50m to go and then swam outside of the finish tunnel to allow top Ocean Racing Series swimmers, Carmen and Lauren Billson to snatch the top two spots. Mally Richards, 79, will be attempting his 58th River Mile this year, having first swum the event as a Muir College school boy when he was just 15 years old, adding to the excitement. SPAR Eastern Cape has once again come out in full support of the event.
“This year promises to be filled with much sporting excitement and we are very proud to once again be the title sponsor of Africa’s oldest open-water swimming event,” said SPAR Eastern Cape Marketing Manager, Martin Webber. “Due to the poor water quality of the Swartkops River the venue for the 88th staging of this year’s river mile will again be along the banks of the Sundays River. As title sponsors for the past 13 years our goal is to see the event return to the Swartkops River and therefore have partnered with the Zwartkops Conservancy Trust.
“SPAR Eastern Cape has committed R255 000 over the next 3 years towards the clean-up operation and we trust that soon the beautiful Swartkops River will be in a clean state allowing citizens of the Nelson Mandela Bay to enjoy it’s natural beauty throughout the year and continue with the heritage behind the SPAR Redhouse River Mile.”
SPAR are joined by associate sponsors aQuellé, Cerebos, Express Litho, Kingfisher FM, Eco Car and van Hire, Stormforce and the Town Lodge in sponsoring the River Mile event for 2012.
The River Mile festival program of events kicks off on Sunday 19th February with the Discovery Off Road Trail Run and Triathlon. The Stormforce kids preliminary races offer novice swimmers 12 years and under the opportunity to get involved with the bank to bank swim at 11:30am. Only open to kids who aren’t competing in the Mile event, the Stormforce event has a 10 and under and 12 and under category for boys and girls. The wetsuit and disabled mile swims start at 12:30 and then the premier Ladies mile follows at 1:30pm with the Men’s race starting 45-minutes later.
“The River Mile continues to be one of the city’s greatest social family events and this year will be no different with something for the whole family,” said race organiser Michael Zoetmulder of Zports Event Management.
“With a trail run, off-road triathlon, kids 12 yrs and under swim race and the Mile swim events we’re sure that everyone can get active this year. Plus we have the SAB beer garden, numerous vendors and displays and the Rotary Club of PE Sunrise children’s entertainment area to keep everyone entertained outside of the events. Entry into the grounds is free and we promise a great day out for all.”
Online entry is highly recommended on the website www.rivermile.co.za, but entry forms are available at all leading sports stores. All participants receive a silicone swim cap and commemorative brochure. Late entries from February 13 will incur a late entry penalty.
Please wait!
