VLC paddlers do well in 9 Miler
The annual 9 Miler Canoe Race took place at the Rietvlei Dam on July 22. The Centurion Canoe Club (CCC) based at the dam hosted the event.
![LovedayZondiandSine_16506](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/126/2023/08/lovedayzondiandsine_16506.jpg)
The day started chilly but warmed up, and paddlers enjoyed the scenic countryside bordering the Rietvlei reserve when they paddled laps around the course to make up the nine miles traditionally raced there annually.
The long course was an 18.5km race, and there was a short 12.2km course for those not fit enough to enjoy the long challenge.
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Paddlers from Victoria Lake Canoe Club used the race for training, with Warren Stead partnered with Deon Vermaak finishing as the first veterans in 01: 45. Coach Loveday Zondi, partnered with young Sinenhlanhla Twala, did the long course race in 01:54 as the fourth mixed double (male/female combination).
![](https://comarochronicle.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2023/08/START9MILERPHOTO-PH_97561-520x390.jpg)
Ntando Ndlovu, with Smelokuhle Moyeni from the club, finished in 01:56 as the first U16s. Prince Mhako and Tlhalefo Nhlapo finished the long course as second U16 paddlers in 01:58, followed by Rendani Ndou and Awesome Mkhako as the first U14s in 02:05.
Nathi Ndlovu and Bokamoso Nhlapo also finished as the second U14s in the long course in 02:11.