FOR the second time in three years organisers of the Fish River Canoe Marathon have taken the decision to cancel the event due to the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Eastern Cape.

This year’s race was due to take place on the weekend of October 2-3.

The race was previously cancelled in 2024 due to an outbreak of FMD.

The country is facing one of the biggest Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in decades.

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The decision to cancel this year’s race was made jointly by the Fish River Canoe Marathon Race Committee in consultation with members of the local community, the Fish River Farmers Association and the local farming community.

“We know how much the Fish means to the paddlers, and know this will be disruptive to those who have already entered, and to those who were planning to make the trip to Cradock,” said a spokesperson for the race committee.

“Cancelling an event that people have trained for, planned around and looked forward to is incredibly difficult, and we are genuinely sorry for the disappointment this will cause. At the same time, we have a responsibility to listen to the concerns of the local farming community and to ensure that the event does not add unnecessary pressure or risk while the FMD situation remains a concern.”

All entrants will receive a refund.

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