The Vaal River Canoe Marathon is going on a new route for its 58th Edition.
The race will be running on Saturday 7 November from Barrage to Smilin Thru Resort and on Sunday 8 November from Smilin Thru Resort to Hadeda Creek Adventures.
The entries are still open until Friday 6 November at 12:00, thereafter no entries will be accepted. The late entry fee is R100 per person.
Proof of payment MUST be submitted with the entry fee or to raceentries@gcu.co.za.
Those who have not yet paid must please do so before Friday 6 November.
No payments will be accepted at the Start.
Enter HERE: www.gcu.co.za/race/online-race-entry-form/
Day 1 will start at 09:00 with registration from 07:30, this will be where you can register your teams and collect your goody bags. Those only doing Day two that are receiving goody bags can collect them at registration on Day 2.
Day 2 registration will be at 07:00.
The Vaal has a new overnight stop, Smilin Thru Resort, where live entertainment has been organised for the afternoon/evening in the Smilin Thru Hall for all to enjoy.
There is also a great pool with zipline into it, as well as a slide into the river.
The weather forecast for the weekend is looking very warm, so bring your family along and enjoy the day.
Even with the water restrictions we have a guaranteed water release as the Barrage is holding back water for us, that is going to be released from Friday so we can really enjoy the river and all the rapids and channels on the new section.
GPS Coordinates for this year’s VAAL:
Vaal Day 1:
Barrage:
S 26°45’57.12” – E 27°40’45.66″
Goosebay Canyon:
S 26°44’12.68″ – E 27°35’30.57″
Smilin Thru Resort:
S 26°50’2.53″ – E 27°30’36.35″
Vaal Day 2:
Smilin Thru Resort:
S 26°50’2.53″ – E 27°30’36.35″
Portage 1 Takeout:
S 26°53’19.55″ – E 27°28’38.72″
Portage 2 Takeout and Put-in:
S 26°53’41.98″ – E 27°27’39.00″
Hadeda Creek Adventures:
S 26°53’2.53″ – E 27°21’19.77″
Other:
Likkewaan Canoe Club:
S 26°53’14.64″ – E 27°28’49.29″
Directions to the Start of Day 1 from JHB:
From JHB take the N1 South towards Bloemfontein |
Once through the Toll Gate, proceed to the Route 9 Exit towards R53/R42 (Potch/Vandebijilpark) |
Turn Left onto Pochefstroom Road |
2km then turn Right onto Loch Avenue |
4.8km Turn Right onto R42 |
1.6km Turn Left onto Boundary Road |
2.7km Turn Left |
350m turn right and proceed to Start.
Directions for the River: Day 1:
Day 2:
On Day 2, when in doubt, keep river left.
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Keep an eye on our Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/VaalCanoeMarathon/
VAAL is a B-grade race this year.
Helmets are optional, not compulsory.
Life jackets and buoyancy are compulsory and will be checked before the start of each day.
Every paddler will receive something to eat at the end of each day.
Food and Drinks will be on sale at the Finish of both days for everyone.