Cape Town - Speedo’s Danie Marais, 22, pipped Myles Brown and Chad Ho in a thrilling finish to the inaugural Sanlam Cape Mile swim, near Cape Town, on Saturday.
Marais finished in 17:41, a second ahead of Brown, 22, (17:40) and Midmar Mile “king” Ho, 23, (17:44) in a sprint to the finish at Eikenhoff Dam, Grabouw.
The three were neck-and-neck throughout the 1.6km route and are among SA’s top open water swimmers. Ho won the Midmar Mile a week ago for the sixth successive time, while Marais finished third.
Marias said: “I am thrilled to have won the first ever Sanlam Cape Mile. It was a tight race and congratulations to Myles and Chad who pushed me all the way.”
Michelle Weber was the first female home (18:48) in the elite division, followed by sisters Carmen and Clarise le Roux respectively.
Speedo SA is a part sponsor of the event. Brand President, Stuart Hopwood said: “The event was incredibly well organised and a welcome addition to SA’s open water swim calendar.”
“We’re incredibly proud of Danie and Chad and we congratulate all who took part.”
For results and more information on the Sanlam Cape Mile, click here: http://www.stillwatersports.com/event/cape-mile/