2027 Midmar Mile
#Swim4Sadie
The aQuellé Midmar Mile 2027 takes place in February every year at Midmar Dam, and we'd love you to swim for Sadie and the #1in15 South Africans impacted by a rare disease.
Picture a mile of open water, thousands of swimmers around you, and a reason to keep going that is bigger than your finishing time.
Sadie was three years old when a rare combination of conditions took her life. Her family swims to keep her memory alive, and you can swim with them.
Challenge yourself: Take on the world's largest open water swim and find out what you are capable of, one stroke at a time.
Empower impact: Every metre you swim translates into real-world support for the 1 in 15 South Africans impacted by a rare disease.
Unite for change: Join a team of swimmers who share your love of the water and your belief that no family should face a rare disease alone.
Swim in her memory: Experience the joy of knowing that your swim carries Sadie's name across the dam and helps other rare families.
Sadie's story...
Sadie was feisty, fearless, passionate and bright. She was born with a cleft lip and later diagnosed with Ectodermal Dysplasia, a rare congenital condition that, among other things, made it hard for her body to regulate its temperature. In December 2013 she was also diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.
In June 2014 an infection pushed her heart into failure. After 27 days in hospital, under exceptional care, Sadie passed away on 10 July 2014. She was three years and nine months old.
Her family later learned that she was only the fourth reported case worldwide in which this combination of conditions led to death in childhood. They swim, and invite others to swim, so that her memory lives on in support for other families facing rare diseases.
Fundraising Requirements
Option 1: "Step Up for Rare" Package - You pay a small joining fee (R150), then ride with heart by fundraising for Rare by creating your Given Gain page.
OR
Option 2: "Ready, Set, Rare!" Package - Skip the fundraising and pay your full target of R500 upfront – quick, easy, and impactful!
Whichever package you choose, either way, you’ll receive:
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Branded Rare ACTIVist race gear
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Access to our supporter zones on race day
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Fundraising resources and support
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The chance to make a difference in the lives of those with rare diseases
Race entry information
When & Where
13/14th February 2027
Midmar Dam, Howick, 3290, South Africa
Contact Cita for campsite info.
What to wear
Your comfiest gear
By entering into our team, you will be issued with a branded towel.
We recommend a full one piece for the rest.
Cost of Entry
Entries close end Dec
Race Entry fee: R499 (Until end Dec)
Team fundraising fee: R500
Need more info?
Should you require any more information, please get in touch with us at events@rarediseases.co.za
Together, we can pedal our way toward a brighter future. Suit up and let's make a difference, one stroke at a time!