The 32nd edition of the Hansa Fish Canoe Marathon which takes place in Cradock on Friday, 27 and Saturday, 28 September will welcome canoeists from every corner of the country, and the world.
The race is characteristically known for being a test of stamina and endurance has hosted more SA River championship title deciders than any other race. The two-day race from Grassridge dam to the Cradock Sports Complex attracts people from the Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to the small Cradock community.
The community known for giving back to the community always welcome visitors with open arms and the funds generated this year will go towards the Eastern Cape Canoe Union (ECCU) development programme. The programme assists communities interested in canoeing and respectively raises funds to assist with the equipment used for the sport.
“Pimp me Disney” is this year’s theme and it invites all participants to decorate themselves to their favourite animated movie. Expect to see Buzz Light-year, Shrek or Snow white at the Hansa Fish this year. The ‘best dressed’ paddlers will be rewarded with their bodyweight in Hansa Pilsener with this year’s “Pimp my ride” competition.
The ever popular Hansa Music festival will feature the likes of Theuns Jordaan on the Friday evening with Centre Stage to close the weekend on a high when they perform on the Gig Rig on Saturday evening. Entry fees for non-paddlers at the Sport Complex is R60 on Friday, R50 on Saturday and children under 12 pay R30 for both nights.