Local paddlers make a splash at the two-day Accelera Digital Group Vaal River Marathon
Local mixed double paddlers put on good performances at the two-day Accelera Digital Group (ADG) Vaal River Marathon, finishing fourth and fifth in the category, second and third in the sub master age category, and 25th and 26th overall.
Local paddlers participated in the two-day Accelera Digital Group (ADG) Vaal River Marathon. The race covered 69km, and is recognised as the South African K2 (Kayak-2man) River Championships event.
On day one the race started at the Vaal Dam wall and finished at Albatross Ski Boat Club in Three Rivers – 32km. On day two the race started at Eden Manor, finishing at Umfula Lodge – 37km, covering a distance of 69km over the two days.
Read more: Local canoeist called up for the Olympic Hopes
Peter Geach, along with Kirsty Pott, finished fourth in the mixed double category, 25th overall, and second in the sub master age category. Gunther Grune, partnering Randburg based Gabriela van Rooyen, finished 26th overall, fifth in the mixed doubles category, and third in the sub master age category.
Pott explained that the marathon was well organised, and the team did a phenomenal job.
“I would strongly recommend people put it on their calendars for next year. We went out to have fun and make the most of two days on the river, and we most certainly did just that. It was a real bonus to have finished third in the sub master category. I had an awesome partner, and we just put our heads down and kept going. I was pretty chuffed to have been placed third. It was a really good surprise.”
The Vaal River Canoe Marathon, has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s paddling history, celebrating its milestone 75th edition. This iconic race once again brought together, the nation’s top paddlers, rising stars, and a vibrant community of supporters along the picturesque Vaal River.
Also read: Local paddlers enjoy canoe marathon
Greg Mandy, of ADG, expressed his enthusiasm saying that this is their first step into the sports world. “We’ve been inspired by the paddlers, organisers, club members, and volunteers. The strong sense of community resonates with our company’s values, and we look forward to growing this partnership into something even bigger.”
Van Rooyen explained that she is happy with her performance, and that the race is about teamwork. “I believe we did our best with what we had to work with. Keeping a positive mindset helps. Day one we didn’t swim on any rapid, but were still refreshed as the large waves often went over the boat from different directions.”
She added that being in nature, and on the water, was relaxing and refreshing. “Seeing the herons and cormorant flying past while getting a full body workout is a great stress reliever for me. I enjoy the challenge of the endurance nature of the race. Anything can happen in these races.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Blairgowrie canoeist reaches semis at World Champs
