Paddlers at the ready at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club
Canoeists made their way to the Emmarentia-based club to participate in the Gauteng Marathon training.
Dabulamanzi Canoe Club hosted a Gauteng Marathon training race on May 22 and, fortunately, the sun came out and blessed the occasion.
Marathons include a short portage. Paddlers need to master the take out and put back in of their kayaks, as this event is more than just running or walking with the boat. Distances differed between grandmasters and children under the age of 16 who do not portage yet.
The main race top finishers, most of whom train at this club, were Michael Arthur, who came first in the sub-veteran age category, in a time of 01:17:50. Followed closely by U18, Luke Salmon and Jack Shooter in 01:17:51 as first in K2.
Wayne Jacobs came first in the veteran category at 01:17:52 while Bradley Boulle came fourth in the same category while placing first in the U23 race in 01:22:34. Nicholas Erwee was the first K1 U18 finisher in 01:27:13 and Bruno Cochrane was the first U16 finisher in 1:26:08. The winning woman was Christie Mackenzie in 01:26:46
Gauteng Canoe Union’s media liaison, Jennie Dallas, explained this race was specifically for K1 as the training races have been alternating K1 and K2 opportunities, “Although one may enter in any boat even K3 for enjoyment and fitness.”
The race is said to have been well supported, with numerous paddlers in all age groups participating in the last training race before the selections for the Gauteng team. This race training race will be on May 28 and 29, at Germiston Lake, and will be hosted by Victoria Lake Canoe Club.
Each day will focus on either K1 or K2 races. Players selected from this race will represent the province at the SA Marathon Championships that take place from June 16 to 18 at Hazelmere Dam, KwaZulu-Natal.
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