A family tradition 20 miles strong at the Midmar Mile

JOHANNESBURG swimmer Mayuri Bhowan will mark a major milestone at the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile as she aims to cross the finish line for the 20th time.

- SUNDAY TRIBUNE REPORTER

It’s a journey that began asa 12-year-old in 1995 and has now become a family tradition spanning generations. Beside her will be her daughter, Kiara Naidoo, 14, who is targeting her fifth crossing of the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam.

For Bhowan, the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which this year takes place from February 5 to 8, has always been about more than just swimming.

“My parents played a huge role in inspiring me to swim my very first Midmar Mile in 1995. They saw potential and drive in me, and I just needed that extra nudge. I already loved swimming, especially long-distance swims, so the idea of swimming the Midmar Mile excited me,” she recalls.

“Completing that first race gave me an incredible sense of accomplishment. I was instantly hooked. For the first time after trying many extracurricular activities, | realised that swimming was the one thing that brought me the most joy.”