Sbonelo and Siseko claim Ozzie Gladwin title
Paddlers were greeted by great conditions at the 2017 Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon recently.
TAKING top positions in the revised race course for the Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon were Sbonelo Khwela and Siseko Ntondini and Christie Mackenzie and Kerry Segal.
Moving from its traditional home on the upper uMngeni River, the race was moved to the uMsundusi River this year. The recent rains made the conditions ideal for the big field as paddlers navigated the 20km from Camps Drift to the Bishopestowe Farmers Hall.
“We kept up a good pace throughout and made sure that we were on the front bunch throughout the race,” said Siseko. “During the run, Sbonelo pushed me hard because running is a weakness of mine. It was tough but was great to get a win this early in the season.”
“I was happy with how our run went as we haven’t really had a lot of time to train together and we have only run with the boat once so far,” Khwela explained.
The other two podium spots were taken by the experienced duo, Jacques Theron and Thulani Mbanjwa in second and the U23 duo, Stewart Little and Khumbulani Nzimande, in third.
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The women’s race was an exciting affair despite the early break-away from the make-shift pair of Christie Mackenzie and Kerry Segal, who took advantage of the flat laps around Camps Drift. The pair took the lead and stayed ahead of the pack for the rest of the race.
“The calves are a bit sore because we haven’t really paddled together, we’ve only paddled in one race together but it was nice to see where we stand going into the season. It’s a good wake-up call as it helps you realise how much work there is still to be done before Dusi,” said Christie.
Kerry will be pair up with Kyeta Purchase and Christie will team up with Bridgitte Hartley for the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon in February. Amy Peckett and Caitlin Mackenzie took second place while Jordan and Cana Peek placed third.
Six-time FNB Dusi champion, Andy Birkett, is also currently in the build-up for the Dusi and, with his partner away, he teamed up with Jenna Ward for the Ozzie Gladwin. The duo paddled to victory in the mixed doubles category.
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