Môreson Mile celebrates five years of swimming for a cause

The 2026 event also welcomes a new head sponsor, Vitalvet Animal Medical Center. Adding a personal touch to the partnership is Dr Awie de Villiers, a Vitalvet veterinarian who has been a regular Môreson Mile swimmer for several years.

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LOCAL NEWS -  The Môreson Mile Open Water Swim returns in 2026 for its fifth consecutive year, cementing its place as one of the Garden Route’s most meaningful community fundraising events.

What began in 2022 as a modest local swim has grown steadily into a major annual fixture - and remains the primary fundraising event for the Môreson Child and Youth Care Centre, with 100% of funds raised going directly towards the care and development of vulnerable children.

The growth of the event tells a powerful story.

From just 43 swimmers in its inaugural year, participation increased to 116 swimmers in 2023, followed by 121 swimmers in 2024. In 2025, the event reached a new milestone with 200 swimmers taking to the water, reflecting growing community support and national interest.

That growth has led to several exciting developments for 2026.

Automated time-keeping system

For the first time, and in response to the rising number of participants, the Môreson Mile will introduce an automated time-keeping system, bringing the event in line with larger national open-water swims and enhancing the experience for competitive and recreational swimmers alike.

This year the event at Island Lake in Wilderness will take place on Saturday 21 February.

Vitalvet new sponsor

The 2026 event also welcomes a new head sponsor, Vitalvet Animal Medical Center. Adding a personal touch to the partnership is Dr Awie de Villiers, a Vitalvet veterinarian who has been a regular Môreson Mile swimmer for several years, making the sponsorship a natural extension of his long-standing support for the event and its cause.

Beyond the sporting challenge, the Môreson Mile continues to stand for inclusivity, education and hope.

Since 2023, the event has welcomed disabled swimmers, highlighting the need for accessible open-water opportunities. Youth and shorter-distance swims ensure families and first-time swimmers can also be part of the day.

Race Categories and start times

1 Mile (1.6km) Open Water Swim

Start: 08:00Ideal for Ironman athletes, competitive swimmers, and open-water enthusiasts.

350m Youth Swim

Start: 09:00Perfect for young swimmers looking to build confidence in a safe, supervised environment.

Floaties (Fun & Non-Competitive)

Start: 08:30A relaxed, playful splash event for kids and beginners.

Water safety education remains a core focus. Local swim schools and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) play an active role on the day, raising awareness around safe swimming practices - a critical message in South Africa, where drowning remains the second leading cause of accidental death among children.

The event is organised entirely by volunteers and staff from the Môreson Child and Youth Care Centre, which provides a safe, nurturing home for 100 children aged 4 to 18, all placed in care by court order.

Funds raised through the Môreson Mile contribute directly to essential services and facility upgrades, ensuring long-term impact well beyond race day.

As the Môreson Mile celebrates its fifth year, organisers are clear about what makes the event special.

“This swim grows every year because people know exactly where their support goes,” they say. “Every entry helps create stability, safety and opportunity for children who need it most.”

Entries for the Môreson Mile 2026 are now open.Enter here.