The National Sea Rescue Institute and the SPCA will be the beneficiaries of funds raised from entries for the Kowie River Mile this Sunday, now in its fourth year.
The National Sea Rescue Institute and the SPCA will be the beneficiaries of funds raised from entries for the Kowie River Mile this Sunday, now in its fourth year.
“The NSRI offer an invaluable service to our community, being on duty 24/7 to provide assistance in and out of the water,” says event co-ordinator Karen Long.
The Mile offers fun for the whole family, and as holiday makers pour into Port Alfred, so do entries.
The main race, the Mile (1.6km) is one of the last qualifiers for the Midmar Mile on 13 February 2016.
There are three categories in this event: 13 years and under, 14-29 and 30-plus.
Four-hundred-metre (quarter-Mile) and 800m (half-Mile) events are also still open for entries.
Completing a seeding event is an essential part of the Midmar Mile journey, for a number of reasons. The more experienced you are at open water swimming, the safer you will be.
Anyone who has completed an open water swim will tell you that it’s as different from pool swimming as track running is from trail running.
“The lack of black lines showing you where you’re going, the lowered visibility, the size of the body of water and the sensation of swimming with lots of people all around you make open water swimming unique,” explained Midmar race director Wayne Riddin.
“Swimming one of our seeding events, in which there are fewer swimmers, gives you an opportunity to experience open water – which is important even if you swim the Mile every year.”
The NSRI will ensure the safety of all the Kowie River Mile swimmers.
Kowie Market will be there with stalls offering food and drink; crafters; vendors selling a range of products.
There will be musical entertainment, and of course the exciting races to watch.
The cost is R30 per stall and all these proceeds go to the SPCA. Contact Sandy Poole on 046 624 8446 to book your stall.
“Bring your picnic basket or light a braai alongside the river and enjoy a splashing good Sunday outing with the family,” says Long. “The swimmers really enjoy having the spectators there to cheer them on!”
Entry fees for all Mile events is R210 but on the day R230.
The 800m costs R160, but R180 on the day; 400m R130 but on the day R140 and the first 50 paid entrants get a free T-shirt.
Contact Karen Long 076 346 9654 or go to www.kowierivermile.co.za for more information and to complete your online entry.
