FEEDBACK / GAUTENGERS AT 50 MILER
Well done to all Gautengers who trekked down to Natal to enjoy the annual 50 Miler event, superbly organised by the Umzinyathi Canoe Club – a user friendly race with excellent preparation for the Dusi.
The race took place on weekend 5 and 6 December and there were few complaints about low water – it seems better than expected and photos posted from Mission rapid looked pretty good! With 187 boats overall, 148 doubles and 39 singles, including the country’s most patient sweeps, it was a busy river…..
The EuroSteel team took the top two positions with Hank McGregor and Jasper Mocke in 1st and Andy Birkett with Lance Kime 2nd, in 4 hours 9 minutes and 4 hours 11 minutes respectively.
While the first Under 23 team was the WP KZN combination of Damon Stamp and Louis Hattingh in 4 hours 23, the first GAUTENG FINISHERS at this 2015 50 Miler event, was Gautengs top Under 23 team…..
The SCARC youth, Siyabonga Tyiki and Thando Ngamlana (SOW) were the first Gautengers across the finish line in 6th place overall, in 4 hours 27 minutes, as 2nd Under 23 age category.
While VLC’s Thomas Ngidi was the next Gautenger to cross the finish line with his KZN partner Sboniso Shozi in 4hour 45, as the 19th K2, the next Gauteng double finishers were SCARC youth Sipho Qoko and Tshidiso Bobo (SOW) the 10th Under 23 finishers in 25th K2 position, just after the first K1 finisher.
EuroSteel’s Colin Wilson was next Gautenger to finish with partner Mark Perrow, 39th overall, (Dabs/KZN) in 5 hours 15 minutes as the first MASTER age category finishers, with Sowetan SCARC team of Nkosi Mzolo and Tom Ngcobo finished next in 5 hours 16 as K2 37.
Raymond Rorich and Michael Kirkby (CEN) finished 46th overall, as 3rd Sub Veterans, and K2 42, in 5 hours 23 minutes.
And to top off the TOP 50 Finishers, the ERK crews of Tommy Booth and Jarryd Breeds as well as Michael and Liam Stewart finished their race in 5 hours 26 and 29 minutes respectively as K2 46, and K2 47!
The first Gauteng ladies to cross the finish line partnered with KZN paddlers, were Asanda Ndlovu (SOW) in 6:59, as 11th Female and 11th Under 18 finishers as K2 104, and Sneziwe Gxobole with Thulani Ngamlana, as 10th Mixed Double, K2 115, and 21st Under 23.
Megan Hedderwick (DABS) finished as 16th Female, 31st K1, in 8 hours 30 minutes, 161 overall, as the only K1 Gauteng lady to finish a rather gruelling tough river race.
Jennie Dallas
for GCU PR
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