News and Updates

02 March 2010

Redhouse Mile success on Sundays River

PEOPLE came in droves yesterday to support the 86th annual Spar Redhouse River Mile, held at Cannonville on the banks of the Sundays River.

The place was packed to capacity despite earlier concerns that the change of venue could attract a small entry.

However, this failed to dampen people’s spirits as they watched more than 350 participants in the men’s and women’s races flex their muscles to claim the top spot.

Everything was organised to the last detail as police maintained a strong presence. People enjoyed themselves taking helicopter and ferry boat rides.

The women and girls kicked off the event at 1pm. Girls of all ages, even five-year-olds, claimed the spotlight.

Dominique Drying, of Western Province, who is on top form after winning her provincial 10km championships earlier this year, defended her title successfully.

“The race was good. I really enjoyed it, though the wind was a bit annoying. Once I had noticed that I was leading, I ensured that I kept it that way,” she said.

In the men’s race, Chad Ho – who won last year – kept the cheering crowd in the palm of his hand as he finished first, successfully defending his championship.

Behind him was Frank Greeff, who last year finished third behind Ho.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the race.

“I ensured that I maintained a long gap between me and those trailing behind. Once I had started swimming I just kept on and everything just started rolling.”

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17 February 2010

Perfect conditions at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth

After a two week layoff, 244 open water swimmers took to the water in perfect conditions at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. 21 degree water and calm conditions saw some of the fastest times ever swum in the Axxess DSL Ocean Racing Series. Mike Zoetmulder, the race organizer said that over the past five years since the Series started, there have been a few special days and Sunday was certainly up there with the best. “The conditions were tailor made for swimming with perfect visibility, sunshine and no wind”, said Zoetmulder. “The times swimmers recorded were around ten minutes faster than usual, which shows just how good the conditions were”.

Veteran open water swimmer Russell Tucker, who is leading the rankings in the men’s O/50 category concurred with Zoetmulder and said that he has rarely seen such pristine conditions in Algoa Bay. “It was so good that a small group of us even went and swam another 2 K straight after the race’, said Tucker. Frank Greeff won the 3 K swim from Michael Marais, who recently won the 10 K swim at the Eastern Province Championships in Jeffreys Bay.

Rising open water swim sensation Wayne Jones came 3rd. Open water swim queen Jessica Roux remained unbeaten in the women’s division beating Rebecca Newman into 2nd position.

Chris van Der Sande won the 1 K event from Andrew Fischer while Carmel Billson beat her sister Lauren in the women’s section. Ralph West continued on his winning way in the men’s O/40 division. Chad Ho

South African Olympic open water swimmer Chad Ho continued on the winning path in South America when he claimed his second silver medal in two races in the FINA 10 K World Cup. Ho said afterwards that he felt good throughout the race and was very happy with his results in the World Cup. Ho then flew back to South Africa in time to win the Midmar Mile in KwaZulu/Natal.

Chad will be in action at the Redhouse River Mile which will be held at Sundays River just outside Port Elizabeth on 28 February.

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