THE fun-loving sport fanatics who make up The Cows have set their sights on the N3TC Drak Challenge canoe marathon in the Southern Drakensberg on 20 and 21 January, aiming to add momentum to their national fundraiser for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.
After launching a ‘Paddling Herd’ at the Fish Marathon in October, The Cows are hoping to establish a sizeable group for the popular two day race through Underberg, and to create critical momentum that will carry them through the rest of the summer paddling season, including the FNB Dusi Marathon in mid-February.
“We are heading into classic dairy country, so it makes sense that we try and establish a big herd for the N3TC Drak Challenge,” said The Cows co-ordinator Daisy.
“From a handful of Cows taking part in the FNB Dusi last year, we got a great Herd together at the Fish, and more importantly, plenty of other curious paddlers were asking about how to join in,” she said. “Now is their chance.”
The Cows celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, and are aiming to raise R10 million for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation to commemorate this milestone. They support CHOC Houses at major hospitals around the country that allow children receiving treatment for cancer to stay with their parents.
“The organisers of the N3TC Drak have been fabulous to us, so we can offer a lot to paddlers that join the Paddling Herd,” said Daisy.
Each paddler needs to commit to raising R5 000 during the calendar year, which is usually done through a GivenGain online account, ensuring that every cent raised goes to CHOC.
Paddlers simply need to enter via the race website and then email Daisy on daisy@thecows.co.za to register for the Paddling Herd.
The N3TC Drak Challenge starts at Castleburn on Saturday 20 January with a 24 kilometre stage to Sinister Pool, just above the Swartberg Road Bridge.
The second stage on Sunday 21 January is 36 kilometres finishing at Early Mist Farm close to Coleford resort.
More information can be found at www.drak.co.za
