Adventure News: Redhouse River Mile moves to Sunday’s River

Adventure News: Redhouse River Mile moves to Sunday’s River - Ndorfin, South Africa

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Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Redhouse River Mile moves to Sunday’s River

The 2010 SPAR Redhouse River Mile, Africa’s oldest open water swimming event, which is taking place over the weekend of 27/28 February is being moved to Cannonville on the Sundays River due to dangerously high levels of pollution in the Swartkops River.

“The decision to move the event was not something which we’ve taken lightly but the health and well being of our participants is paramount,” says race organiser, Mike Zoetmulder of Zports in Port Elizabeth. “Following numerous meetings with regards to the water quality, the Municipality advised us in writing on Monday (26th January) that they are unable to guarantee the quality in the Swartkops River and would not support the event at the present venue.”

Started in 1924, the event is celebrating its 86th anniversary and organisers, Zports, have indicated that the change in venue will not affect their ability to host another world class event, with the 2010 event carrying the highest prize money ever for the River Mile.

Over R26,000 in cash will be up for grabs over the weekend as well as medals, free hydration drinks and lucky draw prizes which include 4 Vuka Scuta motor bikes.

South African Olympian Chad Ho has confirmed that he will be coming to defend the title he won last year but is expecting strong local competition from Axxess DSL Ocean Racing Series leaders Frank Greeff and Chris van de Sande. Ladies defending champion, Dominique Dryding, from the Western Cape has also confirmed that she will be at the River Mile at the end of Febuary.

The program of events scheduled for Sunday’s River will kick off on Saturday morning with the Discovery off-roader, an off-road triathlon style event which has been established to raise funds for various projects run by the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth Sunrise. Visitors to the event will be entertained in the Castle Lite Beer Garden and many vendors will be at the event to supply eats.

Sunday’s program kicks off at 12 noon with the Nando’s kids preliminary 10 and under and 12 and under swim races across the river. This will be followed by a celebrity Swim Challenge where the winner will get R1000 cash to donate to a charity of their choice, the Ladies Mile will be at 13h30 and the finale, the Men’s Mile starts at 14h30.

Entry forms can be obtained from all Eastern Cape SPAR outlets and all leading sports stores. Completed entry forms can be handed in at Zports House, News Cafe (Boardwalk), Triangle Sports, Brian Band Sports (PE) or Brockett Sports (Uitenhage). All participants entering online will qualify for a free Redhouse River Mile t-shirt when entering and paying before the 3rd February. See
www.redhouserivermile.co.za for further information or to register. Late entries will be accepted at race registration on Saturday 27th, with a late entry fee being charged. A double late entry fee will apply for entries taken on race day.