Record number of entries expected for Vaal open water swim event

This year's entries have more than doubled the 2007 head count and organisers are expecting several hundred swimmers to participate at this year's event. The Emerald Challenge is also one of the country's richest open water swim events with prize money totalling R 34 500.

The event, hosted along Emerald Casino Resort's Vaal River front in Vanderbijlpark, has grown to become the largest event of its kind North of the Vaal river. “The Emerald Challenge's accelerated growth over 4 years indicates a sustained upward growth in interest in the discipline,” says organiser Gaylene Campbell, “and open water swimming has grown in particular. It's an event that allows for participation of any age and any ability and outside its competitive aspect, also delivers a rewarding personal experience.”

Normally, the Emerald Challenge is a seeding event for the Midmar Mile. “The postponement of the event to a suitable date on the national and provincial open water swimming Calendars has resulted in a date that falls after that of the 2009 Midmar event. However, swimmers can be sure that the organizers will always strive to apply to the Midmar committee and secure the status of the Emerald Challenge as that of a Midmar seeding event,” says Campbell.

Last year's event saw a record number of entries, with more than 550 swimmers competing in the various categories. The 3km and 1km overall male and female categories are this year complemented by performance and participation prizes for clubs and schools.

The Emerald Challenge takes place on Sunday 15 March at 08:00.