Bapsfontein vet wins the K1 and K2 events

Pieter Engelbrecht, a vet from the Bapsfontein Animal Hospital, competed in the GCU Singles (K1) Canoe Marathon Championship on June 1.

The following day, he partnered with Michael Stewart to race in the doubles (K2) event, earning podium positions in his age category at both events.

Engelbrecht finished 14th in 1:53:00 in the K1 race as the first sub-grand master (SGM) age category winner.
Engelbrecht and Stewart won the doubles masters’ age category race in 1:54:00.

They finished in sixth place overall.

Strong winds and cold fronts created waves on June 1, which caused several boats to fill with water, and the choppy conditions resulted in numerous canoes capsizing.

The Gauteng Marathon Canoe Union races follow a traditional format while a selection of different races in the Guppies (U12) participate in shorter races with a short portage section.

This requires paddlers to take the boat out of the water and run or walk a short distance and then display their efficiency at placing the boat back into the water smoothly and quickly to continue racing, while a 10km race also takes place with a couple of portages.

The main race in which Engelbrecht competed for selection to the international team is 20km long with a few portages every second lap.

Jennie Dallas, media spokesperson for the Gauteng Canoe Union said, “Engelbrecht looks forward to participating at the SA Marathon Championships, at Roodeplaat from June 14 to 16.

“This serves as the international team selection to represent the country at the International Canoe Marathon events in Metkovic, Croatia from September 19 to 22.”