Inaugural Street Mile in Plett 2025

Mark your calendars for a brand-new highlight on Plettenberg Bay’s December calendar: the town’s inaugural Street Mile is set to take place on Saturday, 20 December 2025, promising to be a stand-out event of the holiday season. The race is part of the Eden Street Mile Series, which also features events in Oudtshoorn and Hartenbos, and it’s expected to attract top athletes from across South Africa.

Former Olympic middle-distance runner Ray Wicksell and local entrepreneur Nico Westraat conceived the idea, with enthusiastic backing from Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam, herself a former runner. Legendary South African Olympian and former 1,500m world record holder Sydney Maree will also be part of the occasion. Wicksell and Maree plan to visit local schools ahead of the event, fostering excitement for the race and encouraging a love for athletics among the youth.

Westraat, who chairs the Plettenberg Bay Street Mile, emphasizes the importance of role models. “We need heroes,” he says, “and what better way to inspire the next generation than by bringing Olympic icons right here to our community?” The event’s theme, “The Community,” underscores a focus on unity—residents are encouraged to line the streets, cheer for their favorite runners, and experience the excitement of a major athletic spectacle.

The race will cover a 1-mile (approximately 1.6 km) scenic route, designed to showcase Plettenberg Bay’s iconic beauty while providing a fast and competitive environment for athletes. Organizers, including athletics coach Jean Verster and PAWS Amazing Race coordinator John Gawler, are ensuring the event meets the highest standards, with protocols and safety measures in place comparable to the other Street Mile races in the series.

Westraat hopes this first edition will be just the beginning: “I want kids to dream big—maybe one day Plett will produce an Olympian of its own.” With its blend of top-tier athletics, community involvement, and stunning coastal scenery, the Plettenberg Bay Street Mile aims to become the crown jewel of the Garden Route Street Mile series, leaving a lasting legacy for both sport and town pride.

Street Mile first for Plett | Street Mile date announced