Paddlers from Dabulamanzi Canoe Club (Dabs) delivered a standout performance at the Centurion Canoe Club’s 9-Miler Marathon on July 25, claiming top honours across several categories in the popular race.

Marathon racing is one of several canoeing disciplines, alongside Olympic sprint racing, river racing, and ocean surfski events. The 9-Miler featured an 18km long-course race, as well as a shorter 9km event, catering for younger, newer, and veteran paddlers.

Read more: The Dabulamanzi Canoe Club paddler and her pursuit of greatness

Leading the way was Dab’s Bradley Boulle, who teamed up with Nicholas Notten – formerly of Peninsula Canoe Club in the Western Cape and now training at Dabulamanzi – to win the premier K2 (double kayak) race in 01:21:57. The pair were crowned the senior champions after finishing ahead of Soweto paddlers Sibusiso Chwayi and Benjamin Mntonintshi. U18 duo Tyiki Nhlamulo and Nhlamulo Mahwayi claimed third place.

The result also highlighted the strength of the partnership between Dabs and its sister club, the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club (SCARC). The two clubs regularly train together at Emmarentia Dam, with the collaboration continuing to produce strong performances at national events. Earlier this year, SCARC finished as the top-placed team at the iconic Dusi Canoe Marathon.

Also read: Dusi Canoe Marathon dreams begin at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club

Dabs also featured prominently in the mixed K2 category, where Luke Salmon and Amy Hulett, of Tuks Canoe Club, crossed the finish line in 01:22:00. In the women’s K2 race, Sarah Field (Dabs) and Emma Hatfield (Tuks) claimed top honours in 01:38:00.

Centurion Canoe Club rounded off the day with a host of lucky draw prizes, sponsored by club members, including a coveted Carbonology paddle.

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