MOST Vryheid residents would have noticed an influx of vehicles from various provinces on Friday afternoon.
These vehicles, all loaded with canoes on their roofs, were some of the approximately 200 canoeists who took part in the Bell Ithala Challenge over 42km's.
The event which starts at Bivane dam and ends in Ithala game reserve has on two occasions been voted the best race in S.A.
This year was no different with canoeists from as far afield as Grahamstown and Cradock praising the excellent organisation and the water conditions in the river.
The race has also attracted some of the top canoeists. Multiple Dusi canoe marathon winner, Andy Birkett and partner Sean Griffin led from start to finish to complete the distance in just over 3 hours.
Local paddler, James Potgieter won the first junior prize. Congratulations to James for finishing his fifth Ithala, having completed the race for the
first time with his father at the age of 12.
