Cradle Moon Swim

The water at the Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge is typically calm and still in early January, providing a surface that demands a consistent, rhythmic stroke rather than a battle against currents. Being a reservoir setting, you will not encounter the tidal shifts or saline density found in coastal events, allowing for a pure test of your endurance in freshwater. The race takes place in the height of the South African summer, meaning the water is generally comfortable for an unassisted swim, as the strict prohibition of wetsuits and power bands forces every competitor to rely solely on their own buoyancy and technique.

Race day logistics

Registration kicks off at 7:30 am, setting a focused pace for the morning as the sun begins to climb over the Gauteng landscape. The event offers three distinct distances—3km, 1.5km, and a 500m fun swim—each with staggered starts throughout the morning to keep the water clear for all participants. You will be provided with an official identity tag at registration, which must remain with you until you clear the finish line; competing without it results in automatic disqualification. The organisers maintain a firm approach to safety, with specific cut-off times—1 hour and 30 minutes for the 3km, 50 minutes for the 1.5km, and 30 minutes for the 500m—ensuring the event stays on schedule.

Rules and requirements

Participation is entirely at your own risk, and the event will proceed regardless of weather conditions unless safety officers determine the conditions have become hazardous. If you are forced to exit the water mid-race, whether by personal choice or by rescue boat, you must report to the registration area for a formal medical debrief. Prizes are awarded across specific age groups, ranging from 13 and under to 51 and older, but winners must be present at the ceremony to claim their recognition. This event is firmly rooted in its venue, and all participants are expected to adhere to the environmental protocols set by the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve throughout the duration of their time at the site.