Lance King and Heinrich Schloms became the first champions of the Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon, which took place in the Northern Cape this weekend. The Cape-based pair and current Breede River champions showed their serious intentions from the start with consecutive wins on the first two stages of the three-day race traversing 99km of the majestic Orange River.
Day three finished with an exhilarating three-way sprint to the finish line between the three top contenders. Pierre-Andre Rabie and his paddling partner Gavin White managed to edge over the finish line seconds before the race leaders to take the third stage victory, but King and Schloms’ overnight lead was sufficient to earn them the title in a total time of 6 hours 39 minutes and 37 seconds.
Dream team Thulane Michael Mbanjwa and Sibonelo Eric Zondi finished second overall after once again impressing with their powerful portage performances. Rabie and White took third place with a total time of 6 hours 45 minutes and 42 seconds.
Development teams from 7-times Dusi winner Martin Dreyer’s Change your Life Academy showcased their amazing paddling talent with Nzuza Zonele and Kwanda Hlope finishing fourth and Ngidi Skhumbuso and Nhlanhla Cele in fifth posisition.
In the ladies’ division Hilary Pitchford and Abby Adie obliterated their opposition with victories on all of the stages to take top spot with a total time of 7 hours 15 minutes and 51 seconds. This performance not only scored them a victory in their category, but also an eighth place overall.
A delighted King was ecstatic by their win and vowed to be back to defend their title. “This has been an amazing race. At times it was hairy, but what a river. Some of the turns were so tight that I really thought we would not make it, but we managed to squeeze through. There were some great rapids and if the water levels were slightly higher, it would have been even more exciting. This race can become one of the greats and we can’t wait to return to the Northern Cape next year. The scenery and hospitality were awesome,” stated King.
For full results, visis www.gkcm.co.za.
