Lowveld Canoe Club hosts thrilling Marathon Weekend for SA paddlers
The Lowveld Canoe Club’s Marathon Weekend drew top paddlers from Gauteng and beyond, featuring challenging 20km and 10km races at scenic Longmere Dam, and serving as a key warm-up for the World Canoe Marathon Championships in Hungary.
The Lowveld Canoe Club hosted an action-packed Marathon Weekend on August 16 and 17.
The weekend drew paddlers from Joburg, Pretoria and the surrounding region for two days of competitive racing.
For many competitors, the marathon was a crucial test ahead of the World Canoe Marathon Championships for Masters in Hungary on September 2 and 3.
Among them was Helen Jansen van Vuuren of Germiston’s Victoria Lake Canoe Club, who delivered a strong performance representing her home club in the Lowveld.
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The event featured a challenging multi-lap course of over 20km for seasoned athletes, with a shorter 10km distance for developing paddlers and those seeking a less demanding challenge. Saturday’s programme focused on K1 (singles) racing, while Sunday saw the excitement of K2 (doubles) events.
The weekend not only provided top-level competition but showcased the Lowveld as a premier venue for canoeing in SA, combining challenging courses with natural beauty.
Gauteng athletes praised the stunning setting of Longmere Dam, noting its ideal conditions for training and competition. The local birdlife, including the calls of fish eagles, added to the atmosphere, making the races uniquely memorable.
