Faller crossed the finish line in 2:01:00.
The race consisted of 22kms which were five laps of Homestead Dam and four portages where paddlers had to take their boats out of the water and run a short distance before getting back in to continue the race.
With a strong field of nearly 250 competitors attracted by good prize money. There was also support from the City of Ekurhuleni; Birchwood Hotels who provided special rates for accommodation; and Jeep (Sandown Motors) assisted with the provision of shuttles.
All this brought the top paddlers of South Africa and internationally.
The top canoeists included former and current world marathon and surfski champions Hank McGregor and Grant and Brandon van der Walt; multiple Dusi winners Andy Birkett and Abbey Adie; Olympic medallist Bridgitte Hartley; a crew of Australians; and the cream of South African paddlers. This meant the Gauteng locals were hard put to achieve top positions and podiums in various age categories.
The Singles (K1) race took place on 7 June, and included paddlers from the Gauteng School League, from ages seven upwards, while the doubles partnerships (K2) took place on 8 June.
