By Adnaan Mohamed
Like a confident swimmer slipping into familiar waters, popular KwaZulu-Natal radio personality Keri Miller is set to make another splash at the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile, taking place from 5–8 February.
The co-founder of digital radio station PlayZN has confirmed she will line up in the family race on Saturday, combining strokes with sentiment as she swims her third Midmar Mile, while also serving as an ambassador for Mr Price Sport, one of the event’s key sponsors.
Miller won’t be navigating the Midmar waters solo. Instead, she’ll be buoyed by a strong family current, swimming alongside her sister, brother-in-law, niece and two nephews.
“As a family, last year was our first time swimming Midmar together and we absolutely loved it,” she said.
Her Midmar journey began almost by accident in 2024, sparked by an interview with race director Wayne Riddin and the lure of one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting keepsakes.
“It’s a really great towel,” she joked.
By 2025, the hook was firmly set.
“For the 2025 race, my sister had already entered her whole family and I thought, if [my niece] Charli-Rose can swim it at six, then nothing is stopping me. It felt like one of the best family days we could ever have together. Such a cool memory to make.”
Miller says the aQuellé Midmar Mile fits seamlessly with her philosophy of active, connected living.
“Considering I have a radio station called PlayZN, I’m a huge supporter of anything that gets us outside, off our phones and into our bodies. For anyone who’s had the privilege of learning to swim, this is one of the most satisfying things you can do. And everyone loves a medal. It’s such a celebration of how beautiful Midmar is.”
Her role as a Mr Price Sport ambassador adds another deeply personal layer to the experience.
“It’s a beautiful reminder that I’m in a strong, healthy body and that at 43 I can move happily and pain-free. Being able to represent a local brand in a local race feels special. I’m grateful and I hope to see more women my age shifting how they think about and treat their beautiful bodies.”
Preparation-wise, Miller is keeping her training balanced, mixing calm control with respect for Midmar’s unpredictable conditions.
“I’ll do some training with Nix O’Driscoll, who is a wonderful coach and will give me all the pointers, and then keep some sea swimming going because we know Midmar is not flat!”
Yet, for all the fitness and finish times, it’s the family moments that remain her emotional anchor.
“Spending time with Matt, Brad and Charli. Those three are everything to me… I just want to be present, cross that finish line together and get our family photo at the end. I get teary even thinking about it. I’m obsessed with those little humans.”
Reflecting on why the event continues to draw thousands into the water each year, Miller believes the magic lies in its accessibility.
“The sense of accomplishment at the end is huge and it’s so doable. You don’t have to be elite to compete. It’s the perfect race.”
Entries for the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile are now open, with early-bird entries closing on 21 December. More information is available at www.midmarmile.com
