Rosebank resident is first U18 female to finish the Gauteng Canoe Union Marathon Championships
ROSEBANK – Alexis Rich aims to make the South African team at at South African Canoe Marathon Championships.
Rosebank resident and Parktown Old Girl Alexis Rich was the top U18 female finisher at the Gauteng Canoe Union Marathon Championships on 1 June.
The event, which took place at the Cradle Moon Lakeside Resort, took place over two days featuring K1s (single kayaks) and K2s (double kayaks).
Paddlers from other provinces travelled to Gauteng to test their skills against competitors while gaining familiarity with the course in preparation for the upcoming South African Canoe Marathon Interprovincial event from 15–17 June at the same venue.
The women’s race from U18 to masters was 17.5km long, with shorter distances for older and younger paddlers.
Rich, who trains at the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, and who just turned 18, finished her race in 01:28:51.
“I am very happy with my results… The race started out slowly for me and I ended up on my own for most of it but I got into a really good rhythm later on in the race which helped,” said Rich.
Looking ahead to the upcoming event, Rich said,
“It’s going to be very tough racing against the Natal girls. I know it’s ambitious, but I am hoping to place first at SAs. I really want to make the SA team this year.”
Top paddlers are looking forward to participating in the upcoming South African Canoe Marathon Championships, where they will wear the Gauteng red racing tops and represent the province at the competition.
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