Race Shape › Calculators › Midmar Mile time predictor
Midmar Mile · Saturday, 13 February 2027 (expected)Midmar Mile time predictor
The Midmar Mile is about 1.6 km in Midmar Dam, at around 1 050 m — the largest open-water swim in the world by entries. Type your own numbers and get a predicted finish.
| Zone | Pace | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery | 2:18/100 m | Easy enough to think about your stroke rather than your lungs. |
| Endurance | 2:13/100 m | Steady. You could keep going for a long time. |
| CSS | 2:08/100 m | Threshold. Hard but repeatable across a whole set. |
| VO₂max | 2:05/100 m | Faster than threshold, in short reps with real rest. |
| Speed | 2:02/100 m | Short and quick. Technique first, effort second. |
Racing it well
Pool pace does not survive open water: no walls, sighting and a mass start cost most swimmers about 6%. Swim the first 200 m below race effort and find clear water before you find your pace.
What the prediction includes
Your Critical Swim Speed from the two time trials, applied to the race distance, plus about 6% for open water. It does not know about chop, sighting skill or a mass start.
A full 10-week block for the Saturday, 13 February 2027 (expected) race starts on Monday Monday, 30 November 2026. The Midmar Mile training plan page has the calendar and race-day targets.
Build my Midmar Mile plan — free to buildSee your whole block before you pay.
Common questions
How do I predict my Midmar Mile time?
Swim a 400 m and 200 m time trial and type both times.
How do I predict my Midmar Mile time?
Swim a 400 m and a 200 m time trial and type both. Your Critical Swim Speed for 1.6 km plus about 6% for open water gives a fair estimate.
When is the Midmar Mile?
Saturday, 13 February 2027 (expected). Check the official entry page before booking anything.
When should I start training for the Midmar Mile?
A full 10-week block starts on Monday Monday, 30 November 2026. A plan built later counts back from race day.