Couple training for upcoming canoe champs
They also paddled in the K2 event (doubles race) winning the veterans race as the only Mixed Double.
The Gauteng Marathon Championships took place on 1 and 2 June at the Cradle Moon Lakeside Resort.
Participants from under eight years through to 80 years participated at the event which attracted paddlers from other provinces, trying out the venue in preparation for the upcoming South African Marathon Championships which will take place this coming long weekend.
One of the essential aspects of marathon racing is the ability to master a smooth portage where the paddlers from U/14 upwards take their boats out of the water, run a short distance carrying them, then put them back smoothly into the water, and climb back in without falling in, slipping, or dropping the wet, smooth boat – quite a crucial skill where paddlers can lose time, or make up time depending on their efficiency.
Krugersdorp residents Kobus and Caroline Filmalter have both been very active and competitive paddlers and keen, fit runners, so they handle the portages well and enjoy the training on the water. Kobus was the second finisher in his age category (veteran) finishing his 23km race with five portages in one hour, 46 minutes, while his wife, Caroline, was the first finisher in her veteran age category race of 17,5km with three portages, finishing in a time of one hour, 30 minutes.
They also paddled in the K2 event (doubles race) winning the veterans race as the only Mixed Double (male and female combination) in one hour, 42 minutes.
They are also looking forward to the inter-provincial championships which take place at the same venue, during the same weekend.
