Gail Bristow and Martin Godfrey are preparing for an incredible Midmar Milestone—50 completed Midmars which will mark a semi-century of dedication!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (30 January 2024) — Gail Bristow and Martin Godfrey are warming up their muscles for their semi-century Midmar Mile swims; a celebration of decades of dedication, emotion and their own personal histories with the open water event.
For fifty Midmars, these two have put on their cozzies and caps, ensuring that they never missed a splash.
Today, the Midmar Mile is no hum-drum occasion and attracts thousands of entrants to KwaZulu-Natal. Beyond being a great opportunity to bond with other swimmers on the route, to a sense of self-accomplishment, it’s also the largest open-water event in the world.
But, Martin remembers a time when the Mile was far more humble. Reflecting on the first-ever Midmar (1974, in which he finished third) he shared:
“The gun went off at 9 am and we raced across to the other side. There was a raft at the halfway mark which was used by those needing a break and the polo players swam with water polo balls. I was the only swimmer wearing a cap. My dad said I should wear a white one so he could see me in the water. At the finish we were given a handwritten certificate and there was a small prizegivng and by 11 am, it was all over.”
For the better part of the last two decades, Martin has also been part of organising the event and is the announcer who kickstarts the race.
For Gail who is now a retired teacher, being able to partake in her semi-century race is a privilege.
“It is a scary thought to think of 50 years of Midmar. It is a huge milestone and I never imagined it possible. I feel very grateful to be able to keep swimming for all these years.”
What an achievement of passion and commitment! The Midmar Mile is on from 8-11 February. Anyone keen has until tomorrow (31 January) to register. And if you’re looking for a squad with purpose, check out Love Howick’s Team Red!
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