OPEN
WATER SWIM
MUNYAKA
On the morning of 12 October, Johannesburg was greeted by a gentle, refreshing drizzle, setting a unique mood for the Munyaka Open Water Swim Qualifier. Hosted at the luxurious Munyaka estate in Waterfall, the estate’ s crystal-clear lagoon provided a stunning backdrop for a day dedicated to energy, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of open water swimming.
This was a critical fixture for athletes aiming to secure their place at the iconic Midmar Mile in February 2026. With over 700 swimmers registered across various distances, the day was packed with excitement and fierce, yet friendly, competition.
A Splash of Determination
The day kicked off early, with the first wave of swimmers arriving undeterred by the weather. The 3km race started promptly at 7:00 AM, as competitors plunged into the inviting lagoon waters. The atmosphere was electric: supporters lined the banks cheering, volunteers were busy ensuring safety, and the swimmers, wearing brightly coloured caps, cut through the water with focus and expertise.
By 9:00 AM, the 1.5km race was underway. This distance attracted a varied mix of seasoned athletes and enthusiastic beginners keen to test their endurance. Despite the stiff competition, the mood remained light-hearted. A moment of great amusement occurred when one competitor— immediately dubbed the“ crowd favourite”— emerged with the phrase“ Hippo in Training” boldly scrawled on his back, perfectly capturing the event’ s blend of serious sport and playful fun.
Lagoon Life
The Munyaka Lagoon, with its stunning turquoise waters and beach-style surroundings, proved to be an impeccable venue. Unlike traditional open water locations such as dams or rivers, the lagoon offered a controlled, safe environment, boasting excellent visibility and virtually no current. This made it ideal for swimmers of all abilities. The unanimous feedback confirmed that the setting was superb, and the experience of swimming in such pristine conditions was truly memorable.
The shorter distances followed: the 1km race started at 11:30 AM, and the popular 500m Fun Swim at 12:30 PM. These races drew younger swimmers, families, and those new to the discipline. The Fun Swim, in particular, was a pure celebration of community and movement, with participants ranging from children to older adults, all sharing the water with smiles and splashes.
Behind the Scenes
An event of this magnitude required precise planning and committed partners. Aqua Athletics was pivotal in ensuring a seamless operation, handling everything from registration and safety protocols to the complex timing systems and marshalling. Their professionalism and efficiency were evident throughout the day, and the event’ s success is a clear testament to their dedication to the sport.
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