Cape Robins flitting about the grounds were a strong indication that winter had arrived in Gauteng over the weekend of the SA Canoe Marathon Championships, where the cold front brought icy air and numb toes in the early morning.
The singles (K1) race took place on June 7, and included paddlers from the Gauteng School League, from ages seven upwards, while the doubles partnerships (K2) took place on June 8.
Victoria Lake Canoe Club representatives at the SA Marathon canoe interprovincial included u-18 Spoon Mkhuzangwe, from Germiston High School.
Mkhuzangwe was the club’s top finisher on the 22.9km gruelling event, which consisted of six laps and five portages, where paddlers had to get out of the water and run a short distance with the boats, before putting them in again and continuing their laps.
Many positions are gained with a good, smooth transition at the portage.
The young paddler finished the race in one hour, 56 minutes, but was unfortunately not able to gain a podium position in the top three against the strong field of juniors, but will be fêted at the club as the top finisher.
Without a coastal wind to fuel the cold air, the hot Highveld sun soon warmed the region, as well as the paddlers, many of whom wore only short sleeves or just vests.
The two-hour plus workout steamed up their bodies despite a splash of chilled water from time to time, and the glorious winter day was warm, provided one stayed in the sun and out of the shade.
The strong field of nearly 250 competitors was attracted by good prizes, assisted by the support received from the City of Ekurhuleni, as well as Birchwood Hotels, who provided special rates for accommodation.
Jeep (Sandown Motors) assisted with the provision of shuttles, so that the top paddlers of South Africa, as well as international visitors, had every reason to participate.
The red hot racers included former and current world marathon and surfski champions Hank McGregor, as well as Grant and Brandon van der Walt, together with multiple Dusi winners Andy Birkett and Abbey Adie, and also Olympic medallist Bridgitte Hartley, a crew of Australians and the cream of South African paddlers.
The Gauteng locals were hard put to achieve top positions and podiums in various age categories.
The race was very well organised, with excellent support, including meals, hot and cold drinks, giveaway waterproof jackets and sponsorship of SuperSport TV coverage.
