SPCA's 'Aquaman' exceeds fundraising goal during record Robben Island to Blouberg crossing
Howard Warrington completed his 200th swim in 2 hours 36 minutes, in water temperatures of 13.2 degrees.
Howard Warrington completed his 200th Robben Island to Blouberg swim on 23 June 2024. Picture: capespca.co.za
CAPE TOWN - A Somerset West man has exceeded his goal to raise R150,000 to support the work of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA's Animal Hospital.
Dubbed the SPCA's "Aquaman", Howard Warrington has raised over R160,000 while becoming the first man in the world to complete the open water endurance swim from Robben Island to Blouberg 200 times.
The 59-year-old not only made history but has also made sure that the lives of animals can be saved with every stroke of his 7.4 kilometer swim on Sunday.
Warrington completed his 200th swim in 2 hours 36 minutes, in water temperatures of 13.2 degrees.
"What an amazing day. It started out bumpy, pretty rough and the first two kilometers was very tough for me, I couldn't find my rhythm. We had very strong currents, the temperature was low, we had jellyfish and there weren't kisses this time but that kept it real. So, you realise this is part of what we go through and just man up, suck it up and get to the other side."
Warrington said that his experience was exciting but also daunting at the same time.
"The emotional aspect of the swim, that connects you. That really makes you get in there and you know you've got to do what you've got to do. People have contributed and you realise you've got to get through this, so it was just beautiful. Every now and then I'd look up and I'd see my gorgeous wife showing me hearts, as she always does, and that ust keeps your head going."
Warrington already holds the world record for completing 150 swims from Robben Island to Blouberg and he's also crossed the English Channel, conquered eight Ironman triathlons, run six Comrades marathons, participated in 26 Cape Town Cycle Tours and completed 64 marathons, as well as 243 half marathons.