Race organisers of the the VKB Liebenbergsvlei Canoe Marathon, to be held in two weeks’ time, were thrilled with the confirmation of the entry from two of the most on-form paddlers in the country at the moment. Hamish Lovemore (Euro Steel / Varsity College), defending Champion of the event, will partner with Stewart Little (Euro Steel / Varsity College), who recently achieved a 3rd place in the prestigious Berg Canoe Marathon, along with a 3rd place in the exciting new race on the calendar, the Bamboo Warehouse Push & Pull Paddle.
This new combination will bring excitement to the front of the field as they are both enjoying a spectacular season. Lovemore, winner of the Berg Canoe Marathon this year, commented, “The race will be very tactical as there is a lot of flat water and the quality of the racing is high.” Little was as motivated but added that he was excited to be on the water and have some fun, “Hamish is a friend of mine and has had a phenomenal season so the pressure is on.”
Competition for this young combination will come from Clint Cook (Euro Steel) and Wayne Jacobs (Euro Steel), who were recently victorious in the Central Gauteng K2 Marathon Championships. With years of racing behind them they will be playing the tactical game with ease. Jacobs has just returned from racing the famous Sella Descent in Spain with Hank McGregor. This experience will have brought him new found motivation. Cook, a previous winner of the Liebenbergsvlei Canoe Marathon, will be aiming to reclaim his title. He commented, “I think the youngsters are in form, Hamish is on a winning streak but with it being a Dabs race we want to make sure the title stays in Joburg.”
Other crews from both KZN and GCU will be adding to the racing, aiming to capture this prestigious title. Paddlers from Western Province will also be making the trip to Reitz to aid in their preparation for the Fish River Canoe Marathon, the SA K2 River Championships this year.
The VKB Liebenbergsvlei Canoe Marathon will double as the SA K2 Schools River Championships and will see the top School’s crews from around the country doing battle in both the Boys and Girls categories. Martizburg College, Michaelhouse and Kearsney College will provide fierce rivalry on the water while Epworth will ensure that the Girls racing is as competitive as always.
Participants in this year’s canoe race, to be held on the 31st August & 1st September, are in for a treat as event sponsors, VKB, are celebrating their 100th birthday and will offer paddlers some exciting prizes. The 100th entrant into the event will be awarded a special prize at the prize giving function, as well as the 100th place finisher of the event.
Entries for the race are still open and all paddlers are welcome to join in the action by going to www.lbvcanoemarathon.co.za and entering directly from that website.
For more information on the event, please contact Race Direct, MJ Robb on info@lbvcanoemarathon.co.za