Drak Challenge reveals new award

“Alick was a hugely popular character in both the Underberg community and the canoeing community, and shared our passion for this race,” said Drak Challenge race committee head Barry Cole.

“Everyone who knew Alick as a paddler understood that he was a fierce competitor and exceptionally talented, but more than anything he was a good sportsman and very generous with his time and advice.

“It is fitting that we set out to honour any participant in the race who shows the same sort of sporting characteristics with this very prestigious award.”

The Alick Rennie Fellowship Award would be presented by Rennie’s son Iain to a participant who demonstrated bravery or sportsmanship during the race.

The event starts on Saturday at Castleburn, outside Underberg, and finishes on Sunday at Hopewell Farm close to Coleford.

Rennie, an engineer based in Pietermaritzburg who also ran their family farm outside Underberg, was killed in a light plane crash in December.

– Sapa