Mike Pengelly has set his sights on completing the aQuellé Midmar Mile for a remarkable 52nd time when the popular event takes place from 6-9 February.
The 78-year-old is the only swimmer to have completed the race every year since its inception in 1974 and is still going strong.
Pengelly is based in Salt Rock on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast and trains at the Thompson’s Bay tidal pool.
“When conditions allow, I also do some ocean swimming,” explained the septuagenarian. “Training has been going quite well.
“Midmar has become such an epic event – the biggest open water swim in the world. It’s such a privilege to be a part of it for yet another year,” he added.
Apart from his Midmar record, Pengelly has notched up plenty of other impressive feats over the years, representing South Africa in lifesaving and also completing the gruelling Comrades Marathon 20 times between 1973 and 1992.
But it’s at Midmar where he’s witnessed the biggest changes over the years since that first race in the 1970s when just 153 men took part.
“The Midmar has kept growing, year after year, in so many ways. It’s way more than just a swim,” he pointed out. “[Race Director] Wayne Riddin and his team have raised millions of rands for deserving charities over the years and thousands of people have become swimmers, thanks to the motivation of the Midmar Mile which is so important as there are still way too many drownings in our country. Every child should be taught to swim from a very early age.”
Asked what brings him back to the KwaZulu-Natal dam every year, Pengelly reckoned: “So many things are special about the Midmar like seeing old friends on the bank every year.
“Sadly, some who have gone on ahead will be there in spirit only but always remembered.
“And watching the grit, courage and determination of swimmers with disabilities who take on this challenge is also just unbelievable.”
Pengelly added that much of his inspiration has come from the founder of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Mike “Buthie” Arbuthnot, who, despite plenty of illness and other obstacles over the years, swam the race deep into his 80s before passing away in 2023.
“Many of us are encouraged by legends like Buthie Arbuthnot to keep going as long as possible, even under sometimes very difficult and challenging circumstances. The human spirit never ceases to amaze,” added Pengelly, who had to overcome a massive challenge of his own to complete last year’s race after breaking three ribs just prior to the event.
As for what he puts his longevity down to, the veteran swimmer was clear: “An amazing wife, Cynthia, for her love and support throughout my family, business, sport and social life. Good eating and drinking habits, exercise six days a week for the rest of your life, good friends, and don’t stress the small stuff. Don’t waste the daylight hours, give it full throttle and enjoy the ride.”
Those inspired to take on the challenge of the aQuellé Midmar Mile can still enter online until Saturday, 25 January. Head to www.midmarmile.com for all the details.
Supplied.