Events
2014 Midmar Mile winner’s list grows
Howick – Sunday’s action from the 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile, the 41st edition of the globally renowned open water swim event, got underway in a cloud of action as four more names were added to the 2014 winner’s list in the first two events of the morning.
The girls 13 years and under and women’s 31 years and older race set the tone for yet another memorable day at Midmar Dam as young Tracy-Lea Meyer of Our Lady of Fatima and former Olympian Mandy Loots soared above the rest to clinch the two respective titles.
Tracy-Lea Meyer (Our Lady of Fatima) emerges from the waters of Midmar Dam first in the Girls 13 years and younger category at the 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile. Photo by: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
The boys 13 years and under and men’s 31 years and older showdown then saw Glenwood’s Luke Erwee clinch the younger title while Wade Krieger – returning home after spending the past few years living in Australia – claimed the older category’s spoils.
“I think it’s all my training that helped me a lot, training for long distance, the 800 meters, in the pool,” said Meyer.
“I was really happy and excited to win the race!”
Wade Krieger returned from years in Australia to claim the men’s 31 years and older title at the 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile. Photo by: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
For Loots, an old-hand of the South African pool swimming fraternity, the 2014 event was an opportunity to do something for others with the former Olympic participant opting to tackle all eight of the programme’s races as part of the 8 Mile Club in support of The Pink Drive.
“Coming from being a pool swimmer, this year we have had a lot more waves, so that has been a different experience for me,” explained Loots.
“It has been good fun though and using my swimming for a bigger cause, that’s the bigger thing for me! For so long I swam for myself so it’s nice to get out there and swim for something special and worthwhile.
“Last year was a big surprise when I finished first in my category, so this year I was a bit more nervous about doing it again, but I was happy to get the same result,” she added.
Olympian Mandy Loots, swimming on behalf of The Pink Drive, claimed the women’s 31 years and older category at the 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile. Photo by: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
For young Erwee, the race was far more of a race that it ought to have been after the emerging star mistook 8 Mile Club participant and top female contender Keri-anne Payne for one of his main rivals until the second half of the contest.
“Just after halfway I realised it was Keri-anne Payne on the right of me. I thought it was a swimmer with an orange cap at first but as we came closer together she turned left and I saw the full costume and gold cap and I knew then that it was Keri-anne Payne,” chuckled Erwee afterwards.
“I did relax a bit then but I looked behind me and saw Reece Kincaid. It was a hard race to the end and I just tried to give it my all.
“I’m quite pleased with myself. I had a good swim and I felt great in the water!” he added.
Luke Erwee (Glenwood) clinched victory in the boys 13 years and younger category at the 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile. Photo by: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
Hugs all round! Coenraad Erwee (left) is pleased with his 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile effort. Photo by: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
Krieger, a former top lifesaver on the Australian circuit, returned to South African shores recently and the 2014 Midmar Mile added to his already heightened appreciation of being on home turf once more.
“Ah man, I had such great fun out there today. I am so happy to be amongst South Africans again and to be involved in a great sport,” said Krieger.
“After being in Australia for 10 years, my main focus in every race is to prepare properly and give it my best go and I felt I did that today. Overall it was a really good swim.
“There was a little bit of a chop on the water but the start went off well for me and I just want to compliment the sponsors and the organisation for putting on a great event!” he added.
The day’s early events also saw women’s pioneer Gail Bristow continue her record of having completed each and every Midmar Mile that has been open to female competitors while Martin Godfrey notched up official finish number forty-one.
“It was a bit of a surprise today. I normally try to make the top five every year, but this year was a nice one,” she said shortly after completing her 40th Midmar Mile.
“I think I put in more effort this year, knowing this was a milestone for me, and I thought maybe I should work a little bit harder for it and see how high I could get, which has paid off nicely for me in the end!” she added.
The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place annually at the Midmar Dam, just outside Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. For more info visit www.midmarmile.co.za
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
2014 aQuellé MIDMAR MILE
Girls 13 years and under
1.Tracy-Lea Meyer 22.33
2.Alice Edward 22.59
3.Asleigh Green 23.23
4.Tayla Sinclair 24.34
5.Erika Esterhuizen 25.01
Women 31 years and older
1.Mandy Loots 24.13
2.Barbara Bowley 25.08
3.Sarah Ferguson 25.09
4.Ellen Hight 25.39
5.Hill Hanass-Hancock 25.40
Boys 13 years and under
1.Luke Erwee 21.46
2.Reece Kincaid 21.51
3.Dylan Cox 22.17
4.Cole Poovan 22.22
5.Dante Norjte 22.44
Men 31 years and older
1.Wade Krieger 21.50
2.Michael Phillips 22.22
3.Gary Albertyn 22.41
4.Brett Clark 23.00
5.Glen Gore 23.10
South African swimming legend Terence Parkin congratulates a brave young finisher, both having used the SaferSwimmer device, at the end of their 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile. Photo by: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
Thousands of swimmers took to the waters of the Midmar Dam as they tackled the 2014 aQuellé Midmar Mile. Photo by: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
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Entertainment
Jeremy Loops to perform at Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Saturday 19 October.
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Unwind with Great Food and Vibes at Sunsets and Mermaids
Sunsets and Mermaids Restaurant and Bar in Umhlanga, Durban, is an experience you won’t want to miss. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a complimentary serving of olives stuffed with feta, a delightful mini starter that set the tone for what was to come.
We began with their unique sushi, featuring a delectable combination of prawn and salmon, paired with chicken dumplings that came with a choice of sauces. The hot sauce packed a punch, while the mild sauce offered a gentle, flavorful alternative—both enhanced the dishes perfectly. We paired our meal with expertly crafted cocktails: an Old Fashioned and a Margarita, each complementing the flavors of our food beautifully.
For lunch, we opted for their chicken and beef burgers, each topped with a homemade sauce that added a unique twist. The crispy onion rings and Lay-like chips were a perfect accompaniment, making for a satisfying and delicious meal.
What really stood out was the impeccable service. Not only were the staff attentive and friendly, but the chef personally came to our table to check if the food was to our liking and even offered some great recommendations. The atmosphere was electric, with the upbeat Durban music vibes adding to the overall experience.
Sunset and Mermaids is more than just a bar; it’s a culinary destination with a diverse menu that spans sushi, burgers, and even pizzas. Their Tuesday quiz nights and Wednesday Ladies Night add an extra layer of fun to the week. The place is such a vibe that even the Irish Rugby team made an appearance after their game against the Springboks!
We’re already planning our next visit and highly recommend that you give it a try too.
Sunsets and Mermaids is a must-visit spot in Umhlanga!
To book:
www.sunsetsandmermaids.co.za
(031) 943 3044
Info@sunmer.co.za
Ratings:
Service – 10/10
Location: 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Food – 10/10
Overall – 9/10
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The 2024 Sunday Tribune Great Outdoors Expo is coming up and it is KZN’s BIGGEST Adventure show!
The show is takes place at the Durban Exhibition Centre on the 31st of August and the 1st of September and is KZN’s premier outdoor and 4×4 Exhibition. The 2-day show brings together outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and families seeking to reconnect with nature.
This annual event has grown in popularity, highlighting the latest in outdoor equipment, travel destinations, and recreational activities. Whether you are an avid camper, a hiking enthusiast, or simply someone looking to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, the Expo offers something for everyone.
Visitors to the 2024 Sunday Tribune Great Outdoors Expo can expect a diverse array of exhibitors displaying the newest camping gear, Trailers, 4×4 accessories, hiking equipment, and adventure sports accessories. Major brands and local retailers will be on hand, offering exclusive deals and demonstrations of their latest products. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative tents, durable backpacks, advanced GPS devices, and much more, all designed to enhance outdoor experiences.
One of the highlights of the Expo is the 4×4 track managed by on of SA’s most experiences 4×4 drivers, Travis Duggan. Here visitors can climb inside the latest 4×4’s on the market and test the course and their nerves. Vehicle dealers from around Durban will be displaying the latest and best new vehicles on the market, which you can experience, review, sit inside and dream of your next adventure.
There is an incredible kids play and activity area, which is free to enter, where kids will be supervised, while enjoying Jumping castles, giant slides, carnival games, crazy bikes, bungee trampolines, and lots more.
The highlight of the Expo will not only the incredible exhibitors and the heart pounding 4×4 track, but there will be two of SA’s top Freestyle Motorbike Stunt jumpers, which will be taking to the sky in an ariel display each day inside dedicated MX arena.
In addition to the equipment, activities and Motocross display the Expo features over 20 Food and beverage stands as well as an indoor and outdoor Bar and live music by Tyler De Dominico, Tatum Tides and Gavin Ferguson.
Book the date and get your tickets online to avoid any gate ques from Webtickets.
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