Dabulamanzi Canoe Club are proud to announce the opening of entries for the 2023 Standard Bank Clean Water Challenge, formerly know as the Liebenbergsvlei Canoe Marathon. Following a break during the Covid period, and another missed year due to the Foot & Mouth scare in the region last year, the Club have opened entries to the race to be held on the 16th and 17th September. The updated format of the race will see paddlers using the same 34km stretch of river from Reitz to Zorgvliet Farm on the Liebenbergsvlei River. The major attraction for paddlers from around the country is the guarantee of fresh, clean water released out of the Ash River, from the Katze Dam in the Lesotho Highlands.
Race Director Karen Field commented, “We are thrilled that we can host our race once again and invite everyone to come back and experience this stretch of river, the community and the fun aspect of the race.” Many top paddlers will made the trip up to the Free State in their build-up and preparation for the Fish River Canoe Marathon in Craddock, happening two weeks after the Clean Water Challenge.
Paddlers who are CSA B-rated, of all ages are invited to enter and, while being an official K2 race, K1s and K3s are welcome. Entries can be done though the Canoeing South Africa online portal at a fee of R150 per day for Juniors and R250 per day for Seniors. Key attractions are the incredible Free State hospitality and community vibe around any event in the area, not forgetting the post-race meal which is included in the fee. Paddlers will enjoy prizes for overall winners as well as incentives during the race. Entires close on the 10th September at 21h00.
Further information can be found at www.lbvcanoemarathon.co.za or from Race Director Karen 082 789 1263 or e-mail info@dabulamanzi.co.za