Over 80 canoeists took part in the ERK Dusi training race in the Homestead Dam in Benoni earlier this month.
Sowetan Loveday Zondi won the race in 1 hour 36 minutes, while Shaun Maphanga from Florida Lake Canoe Club finished fourth to win the Sub Veteran podium prize. Nkosi Mzolo, also from Florida finished the race in 13th place, in a time of 1 hour 44 minutes.
Paddlers enjoyed the 22 kilometer course which included two portages of two kilometers each on the side of the dam, carrying their boats, in the Dusi Marathon tradition.
According to Jennie Dallas of the Gauteng Canoe Union, the training of athletes running with their boats and finding a comfortable way to manage are essential parts of the preparation for the Dusi.
“The top winners of the race who are likely to be among the top Gauteng finishers at the Dusi event next month, are achievers as a result of community and youth development programmes hosted by canoe clubs throughout South Africa,” said Dallas.
