Hundreds of thousands of rands were raised for South African charity organisations by companies taking part at the 2006 Midmar Mile near Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
Although the main event for the two-day competition will be held on Sunday, thousands of people watched while thousands of others tip-toed into the cold Midmar Dam before hustling for better finish times than last year.
For most swimmers winning was not the objective, however. Bettering their finishing times from last year was more important in what is considered the world's biggest open water swimming contest.
The gruelling race - in its 33rd edition - had all the thrills expected, with children as young as seven, veterans as old as 80, schools and family groups taking part.
As usual, the air was thick with the smell of braais and crafts, swimwear and clothing stalls - making for a swimmer's and a spectator's paradise.
Half of the 17 000 swimmers - who were still registering on Saturday - came from Gauteng, said race convener Wayne Riddin. Local accommodation establishments were all full.
Swimmers were heartened by cool and overcast conditions and the dam was reported to be at 94 percent capacity.
National Netcare trauma manager, Mande Toubkin - whose staff were also part of more than 500 lifeguards - South African navy, fire and emergency and diving volunteers and organisers of the event reported only one incident where a spectator broke her ankle after slipping on the mud.
The race which caught the hearts of many spectators was the family team section.
Richard Mower, 45, who was clutching his nine-year-old daughter's hand as they crossed the finish line said he enjoyed the race "because it's something we do together as a family because we thoroughly enjoy sports and swimming is the best past-time ever for us".
Mower - from Durban North - finished behind his wife Conny and daughters Kirsten, 15, and 14-year old Courtney who attend the Our Lady of Fatima Convent School - all of whom finished within 30 minutes.