The Vaal River Canoe Marathon is a historic canoe race and one of South Africa’s oldest which attracted top paddlers from across the nation for two days of challenging river paddling on the iconic Vaal River.
The Africa Digital Group (ADG) race took place from the dam wall finishing in Umfula Lodge in Parys a distance of approximately 70km over two days.
Gauteng winners were Clinton Cook and Luke Salmon, who won against a strong field including top achievers in South Africa from KZN, they finished the two day race in 4 hours 52 minutes.
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Soweto paddlers, Benjamin Mntonintshi and Siseko Ntondini were the second place finishers four seconds later.
Asibabale Mpambani from the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club (SCARC) doubled up with Smilo Mthethwa from KZN to enjoy the race finishing as the first under 18 team across the finish line. They finished in a time of 5 hours 1 minute.
Sibusiso Chwayi partnered with Ryan Rodda from Dabulamanzi to finish in 5 hours 12 minutes.
The well-known high achieving KZN paddler, Thulani Mbanjwa who achieved numerous podium positions at the Dusi river races partnered with Kwandokuhle Mzolo from Soweto.
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They crossed the finish line in 5 hours 17 minutes as 11th double while the second Under 18 crew were both from SCARC. In the 14th position in 5 hours 30 minutes were Sikhanyisele Dekeda and Owethu Duna.
