Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 137, January 2021 Jan 2021 | Page 33

Race Postponement

New Dates 13 / 14 March 2021

In light of the current second wave of Covid-19 infections the aQuellé Midmar Mile race committee has made the decision to move the event out by one month to 13 & 14 March 2021 .
The committee is aware of the inconvenience that moving the event may have on some entrants , however the need to ensure the safety of our participants and their extended families must take priority in these challenging times .
‘ Safety is always the highest priority at the aQuellé Midmar Mile ,’ said Race Director Wayne Riddin , ‘ and this year we obviously have many additional considerations with regard to Covid-19 and minimising the risk of transmission at events . We are also respectful of the pressure that hospitals and medical staff are under at this time . Time on duty plus the possibility of a medical emergency at the event would only place further demands on medical staff which we would all agree is not necessary .’
Riddin added that ‘ current regulations do not allow for swimmers to train in open water , and many are struggling to find a pool while dams , rivers and beaches remain closed to swimming . The postponement to 13 & 14 March will give entrants extra time to prepare for what will be the 48th Midmar Mile .’
Together with input from representatives from KZN Wildlife and the safety committee , the race committee is investigating the feasibility of holding the events over more than 2 days . Should this be both practical and provide an extra safety element , decisions will be taken swiftly and communicated immediately .
‘ All decisions will be taken in line with regulations in place and ultimately to reduce risk to all participants ,’ said Riddin , ‘ and we cannot become complacent within the current situation . 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile will be a very different event to previous years , but we are confident we can deliver a safe event space for participants to enjoy one of the highlights in their swimming calendar . We feel taking this decision now is best for everyone involved as we plan the detail over the next few weeks .’
Depending on President Ramaphosa ’ s next announcement and the level of lockdown , some further changes may still need to be made , including the possibility of holding the event even later on in the year .

www . midmarmile . co . za

Lake Heritage Water Festival

With the current restrictions on swimming access in dams , the Lake Heritage Water Festival has also been delayed . A new date will be released once confirmed .
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