JON HOUZET
IN a first for Port Alfred, an open-water race, the Kowie River Mile, will be held on December 30.
A fundraiser for Sunshine Coast Hospice, organisers hope to draw 500 entrants for the events, which include a 1,6km main race, an 800m race, for strong swimmers who have never done a mile, and a 400m race for children, "not-so-strong” swimmers and as a "cooling-off” race for athletes training for more serious races.
"There are very few venues for open-water swimmers to practice and get their points in the Eastern Cape,” said Karen Long of Hospice.
"If we have this in season it will attract a lot of visitors to town.”
Long said in the 90s there was a swimming race in the marina canals, a duathlon with a running race, but this will be the first time an open-water race is held in the Kowie River.
The main 1,6km race will start in the Kowie River alongside the Beach Road braai pens and end at the Port Alfred Tourism Office.
The 800m race will start at Outdoor Focus, and the 400m race will start at the Port Alfred Ski-boat Club. Both races also end at the tourism office. Races start at 3.30pm.
Long said the slipways at Outdoor Focus and the ski-boat club were ideal for the start of those races, while the main race will have a "wet start” at the braai pens.
"There's guaranteed clean water at the river mouth and they'll swim with the incoming tide,” she said.
Ndlambe municipality's directorate of community protection services will oversee water safety on the day, with the NSRI as back-up.
"We will have a full race management committee and professional timers,” she said.
First prize is R1000 cash, second prize R500 and third prize R250. The top ten finishers will receive gold medals, and all mile finishers in under 45 minutes will receive a medal. There will also be spot prizes
Organisers plan to invite sport-oriented stallholders, and a band to provide entertainment.
"It will be a family day and we're encouraging teams to take part,” said Long.
"We also welcome disabled swimmers and will cater for them.”
Long said Hospice hoped to make it an annual event.
Entry for the mile costs R160 pre-registered, or R200 on race day; the 800m costs R110 or R150; and the 400m costs R75 or R100.
Children aged 13 and under are only permitted to enter the 400m, and pay an entry fee of R60 or R100.
All participants will be supplied with a timing chip. Chips will be provided on race day at check-in. Lost chips will be charged at R50 each. Swimming caps are compulsory.
For more information or to register online visit www.kowierivermile.co.za.