RACE FEEDBACK FROM RACE ORGANISER – SCROLL DOWN FOR GAUTENG ACHIEVERS / RACE REPORT
PHOTOS BELOW THANK YOU TO J.C.KRIEK AND BRUCE TEMPLETON
The TRAC Lowveld Croc Canoe Marathon took place over the Heritage Day long weekend attracting paddlers from Gauteng and KZN to race on one of the best rivers in South Africa. The two day race coincides with increased water released from Kwena Dam for the farmers in Malelane and Komatipoort resulting in a fast flowing, action packed course through tight turns, overhanging trees and spectacular rapids over on the 33 km stretch of pristine river.
A mixture of seasoned veterans and novices made up the field with those having had the experience of paddling the river in previous years dominating the podium. Former 2015 winner Siseko Ntontini dominated a very hot Day 1 with a substantial lead followed by Phineas Zulu and Simnikiwe Ntondini. The second day saw Simnikiwe chase hard from behind to post the fastest time miss out on second place by mere seconds. Siseko held onto his lead comfortably to lift the prestigious 55 year old trophy in a combined time of 4:08:53. Simnikiwe finished as the first u/23 paddler.
The Lowveld Croc is technical, tough race and as customary most paddlers came away with a “croc tattoo” from altercations with branches and rocks to show for their efforts and some only finished with their boat duct taped together to prevent it splitting.
The Gundu award, named after Mike Hay, a stalwart of the race organising for the first novice went to Ewald Thole from KZN in a time of 5:06:44 with the first Lowvelder being Stuart Butcher in 4:45:35 (also first sub Master).
On behalf of the Lowveld canoe club we would like to thank TRAC N4 for their continuous support and sponsorship towards the race, together with the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency for their support and water release for the race. Lastly to Magnolia Restaurant for their great food and drinks that was on sale at the race finish.
KEEP WELL
JC KRIEK – 0826535440
TRAC LOWVELD CANOE CLUB RIVER MARATHON / 22 AND 23 SEPTEMBER 2018
However, here is the usual Gauteng race report on the Gauteng achievers….. the top 9 finishers were Gautengers led by Siseko Ntondini (Dabs) in 4:08 over the two days, , Phineas Zulu (Dabs) in 4:17, and Simnikiwe Ntondini (Dabs ) in 4:18 as first Under 23, with Piers Cruickshanks (Dabs) finishing as the first Veteran in 4 hours 21 minutes…..
The age category winners include Stuart Butcher (LCC) as 1st SM, in 4:45, with Richard Cele (VLC) next in 4:47, as the 3rd Senior category finisher. Meyer Steyn(Dabs) was the first Grand Master next in 4:47:08, and the first Master close on his wave in 4:48 as the 8th K1 was Eric Dixon (LCC) !
The last Gautenger in the Top Ten finishers was (9th K1 – Craig Lewis (LCC) as 2nd Veteran, who finished in 4h50….
Mark Descoins (UMZ/KZ) was the first KZN finisher in 10th position.
The next finishers, including more Gauteng category winners included: Tommy Booth (ERK)- first Sub Veteran in 4:52, and Pete O Connor as 1st Great Grand master in 4:54…..
