The East Rand Kayak (ERK) club’s Michael Stewart successfully navigated his way through the Vaal River to clinch the master men’s race during the 75th Vaal River Canoe Marathon.

Stewart and his partner, James Russell, completed the two-day race in 06:28.

The pair was followed by teammates Jonathan Nel and Richard Tandy, who were three minutes adrift after finishing the race in 06:31. Shaun Bekker and Colin Hertzog were third in 07:39.

The race started at Rapid’s Paradise below the Vaal Dam and concluded at Umfula Lodge in Parys after an overnight stay at Albatross Ski Boat Club in Three Rivers.

Siseko Ntondini and Benjamin Mntonintshi claimed overall honours after covering the 05:26, after finishing the 36km day one distance in 02:37 and covering the 34km distance on day two in 02:49.

The Gauteng Canoe Union (GCU) PRO Jennie Dallas congratulated the paddlers on a successful event, despite some challenges on the route.

“Paddlers frequently were grinding over the rocks spread on various sections of the river, which can cause boat damage and result in less participation for the event, which covered distances of 34 and 37 km per day.

“This certainly slowed their times, and paddlers occasionally needed to get out and wade their way through the shallow rocky sections carrying their boat, with some participants only taking part on one of the days of the marathon training event.

“But the race forged ahead and it was enjoyed by participants and supporters, as well as organisers, despite the various challenges,” she said.

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