Benoni paddlers Jonathan Nel and David Gerber delivered a statement performance at the Victoria Lake Canoe Club marathon on May 10 at Germiston Lake, finishing as the top seniors in a competitive field.

The East Rand Kayak (ERK) Club duo powered their way to the podium in the demanding 20km K2 race, which included multiple portages, crossing the line in 01:49 to secure top honours in their category. Their showing underlined solid form as they build towards the Gauteng Marathon Championships at Longmere Dam next month.

Theo Smit and Ronald Pronk finished second, just 20 seconds behind Nel and Gerber, while Pieter Engelbrecht impressed in the single kayak race, claiming his category in 01:53.

Elandre Zietsman and Renschi van Zyl took overall line honours in a time of 02:12.

Also Read: ERK’s Stewart on top at canoe marathon

Bradley Boulle and Luke Salmon dominated proceedings, clinching overall victory after covering the 10-lap 2km course in 01:37. Veteran paddler Wayne Jacobs and Nicholas Notten followed in second, 20 seconds adrift, with Michael-John Robb and Robert Crichton rounding out the podium in 01:43.

The event also catered for the next generation, with guppy races for paddlers aged 10 to 12. The youngsters tackled a 4km course that included a short portage, mimicking the senior race by carrying their boats over land before re-entering the water – a valuable learning experience in race conditions.

Gauteng Canoe Union PRO Jennie Dallas said the event struck the right balance between competition and preparation.
“It was a superb, fun and enjoyable event, providing excellent training for the paddlers,” she said.

The race forms part of the build-up to the Gauteng Marathon Championships on June 6 and 7, which will be followed by the South African Marathon Championships in Cape Town from July 3 to 5.

Also Read: Notten sets the pace with ERK marathon triumph