FRANSCHHOEK – The Bridge House Mile, a popular open-water swimming event held in the Berg River Dam in Franschhoek, has been cancelled this year due to difficulties in securing sponsorship. The event attracted more than 1 000 entries in 2025 and is regarded as a highlight on the open-water swimming calendar.
According to Michelle Harley, event organiser of the Bridge House Mile, the race management was forced to make a “difficult decision” after experiencing ongoing challenges in obtaining a headline sponsor.
Harley said the decision was not taken lightly and that the management team “held on for as long as possible”. The cancellation of this year’s race was announced on social media on 13 January, before entries had opened.
The race, which usually takes place in March each year, is 13 years old and began with just 35 entries in its inaugural year. According to Harley, the event has always been closely associated with Bridge House School, having originally been established to raise funds for scholarships.
Over time, however, the race grew in popularity and, with continued support from the school, developed into a well-supported event.
Harley explained that the race’s headline sponsors have traditionally been corporate companies that cover the event’s operational costs, including lifesavers, ambulance services, fire marshals and security personnel. Without such sponsorship, she said, the safety of swimmers could be compromised.
She added that the race has maintained a 100% safety record and that no incidents have been reported during its 13-year history. This, she said, is a significant achievement.
“These events require significant resources to deliver safely and at the high standard our swimmers deserve. Without securing sufficient sponsorship, we felt it would be unfair to dilute the experience that makes the Bridge House Mile so special,” the Bridge House Mile said a social media post.
Harley said that corporate sponsorships, not only for the Bridge House Mile, but for other events too, are “hard to come by” due to an ever-changing corporate strategy.
The event previously had a three-year sponsorship agreement with a corporate partner, which came to an end, after which another corporate entity agreed to sponsor the race. However, this sponsor opted not to proceed with the sponsorship.
Harley explained that the Bridge House Mile management is working diligently to secure a headline sponsor for 2027. She added that the race positions itself not only as a swimming event but also as a family-oriented occasion showcasing the Franschhoek Valley and the Berg River Dam.
The Bridge House Mile also runs a development swimming programme that teaches water safety and swimming skills to learners at both primary and high school level at the Bridge House swimming pool. These learners are then invited to participate in the race, with appropriate assistance provided.
