Huge turnout for Kowie River Mile

CANDICE BRADFIELD

MORE than 190 swimmers took part in the inaugural Kowie River Mile, with a large crowd of supporters turning out to cheer them on.

In excess of R25 000 was raised from the event which will all go to Sunshine Coast Hospice, with the full amount to be confirmed at a later date.

Chief organiser Karen Long was overwhelmed by the response from the public.

"We have been inundated with messages saying how amazing and well organised it was, and that people would definitely come back this year and bring their families,” she said.

Long said that she was grateful to the NSRI and Willem Nel from Ndlambe’s community protection services who made sure the swimmers were safe throughout the event.

A total of 126 swimmers of all ages took part in the one mile race. Nine-year-old Trent Dickson was the youngest to take on the 1.6km race with Paul Lanterm, 69, the oldest to meet the challenge. Dickson was third in the 13 and under male category and Lanterm first in the 60 and over male category.

The 400m race received 27 entries and the 800m races 24. The excellent weather no doubt played a role in the large number of entries on the day.

The 400m race started at the Port Alfred Ski-boat Club, the 800m swimmers left from Outdoor Focus and the one mile participants took off from Guido’s. Most of the supporters waited behind the tourism office as their swimmers made the last dash to the finish line.

Stalls selling swimwear provides last minute accessories like goggles and swimming caps while stalls selling CDs, watches, books and white elephant good gave visitors a chance to shop while they waiting for the races to start. Food, cool drink and beer stalls kept everyone fed and hydrated while a good selection of music played over large speakers.

The first ten swimmers to finish the one mile race each received a gold medal. Olympic swimmer Jessica Roux was first, with Tarryn Els and Amy Mardon coming in second and third respectively. Roux won R1000 for coming first, Els won R500 and Mardon won R250. They also won other prizes, including Talk of the Town t-shirts and Frisbees.

All the one mile race swimmers who finished in less than 45 minutes also received a medal.

Nick Golding was first in the 800m race, with an unnamed participant in second place and Tamsin Groom in third.

Coming first in the 400m race was Caryn Love, followed by Megan Albon in second place and James Mynhardt in third.

Long thanked the management committee, which consisted of Avril Beyleveld, Pierre Coetzer and Roger Nock, for all of their help in organising the event. She also thanked the sponsors, which included Sports n All, Frameworks, Round Table, Buco, Talk of the Town, Sunshine Coast Fever and Barmuda, as well as all the volunteers and stall holders.