This year, Stellenbosch's well-known 'Straatmylfees' (Street Mile Festival) gets an international flavour for the first time with Dutch athletic star Luuk Wageneaar already entered for the race. The Straatmylfees is held this year for the eight time – on 6 March at 18:00.

Six races are held in the picturesque Victoria Street in Stellenbosch, and the Straatmylfees forms part of Stellenbosch University's annual Woordfees (Word Fest).

• Click here for a short video of the 2017 Straatmylfees

The first Dagbreek Straatmyl was held in 2011 in honour of Maties alumnus De Villiers Lamprecht. He was the first South African athlete to run a dream mile (the mile in under four minutes) – a distance of 1 609 m. The historic race took place on 13 November 1964 at Coetzenberg Stadium in Stellenbosch. De Villiers was a resident at Dagbreek Men's Residence at the time.

Olympic athlete and champion Johan Cronje is attempting to reclaim the special dream mile trophy this year after not being able to participate last year due to an operation. The winners then were Duwayne Philander of the University of the Western Cape and Maties' Yvonne Steenkamp in the women's category.

“Meanwhile, Cronje left Bloemfontein for Stellenbosch where he is producing a film, Liewe Lisa, together with his actor brother Hendrik Cronje, from 7de Laan fame", explains Francois Fouche, organiser of the Straatmylfees. “Hendrik is also an athlete and is participating in the race."

“Cronje (Johan) is to date the only athlete to run a dream mile in Victoria Street. This he accomplished in 2015", adds Fouche.

The PNA Schools Races are growing in popularity with under-15 and under-19 categories for males and females respectively. PNA sponsors two special prizes, one for the school with the most participants and one for the school with the best performance.

The other categories are open categories for men and women, plus the elite race for men. Big prizes and a lucky draw are at stake for athletes. The first 10 athletes in every race receive a special medal and the top 30 in the men and women categories.

For the first time this year, there will also be a veteran's race.

Skateboard category

Unique to the Stellenbosch Straatmylfees is the skateboard category – to the best of the organisers' knowledge the only skateboard mile race in South Africa. The race is held for the third time. The previous two years, the winners completed the race in less than four minutes. Skateboard races form part of the 2020 Olympic Games.

“SU residences are encouraged to challenge each other in the open category. SU celebrates its Centenary this year, and the theme forward together fits well with the Straatmylfees – we must run together", says Fouche.

In between races, music is provided to create a festive atmosphere and there will also be entertainment. Spectators are encouraged to support the athletes en masse.

Sponsors include Puma, PNA, ASLA, Submerged Industrial, Niva, the VDM Group, Eikestadnuus and the SU Alumni Office. Refreshments are supplied by Coca-Cola.

• The entrance fee is R30 for athletes, and entries can be done in front of Dagbreek Men's Residence in Victoria Street. Athletes start at the top of Victoria Street.
• Contact Francois Fouche at info@straatmyl.co.za for more information.