The 33rd edition of the Hansa Fish Canoe Marathon which takes place in Cradock on Friday, 10 and Saturday, 11 October 2014, will welcome canoeists from every corner of the country, and the world. The popularity of this annual event looks set to grow exponentially with the innovative addition of a new “short course” option to the famous two-day race.
The race, which starts on Grassridge Dam Friday October 10, 2014 at 07:00, will end the first day 45,8km further, 1km below Knutsford Bridge. This is the start of Day 2 of the race on Saturday 11 October 2014 at 07h00, with the race ending 36 km further at the Sports Complex in Cradock.
The two-day event attracts enthusiasts from the whole of South Africa and the world to the small town of Cradock. The timing of this year’s event also allows the elite paddlers who will be participating in the World Marathon Championships in the USA enough recovery time to give their all and aim for success at 2014 Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon.
Also to look out for in branded Hansa K3s at this year’s race will be former Springbok rugby players, Corné Krige and Tiaan Strauss. The two will again be supporting the event’s efforts of raising funds for the underprivileged children. This year’s Charity Batch will be open to the first 50 paddlers willing to pay an additional R800 for their entry. This will be donated to the Vukasebenza Shelter in Cradock as well as the underprivileged children of the area. Bidding for places in the Charity Batch will start on 15 September and close at midday on Tuesday 30 September. You will have to have already entered to bid for a place in the Charity Batch.
The theme for this year’s Hansa Fish Pimp My Ride competition is “BLING SAFARI!”. This is the ultimate “Go Big or Go Home” theme! From pith-helmets, animal onesies, camo-designs on your boat, binos, foliage – to some serious Grootwild. The participants are expected to go large. And the prize! – The combined bodyweight of the winning crew in Hansa Pilsener!
The ever popular Hansa Music Festival will feature acts such as LOCNVILLE on the Friday evening with ShortStraw and Gangs of Ballet 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 R10 per adult; R5 per child under 12, until 18:00, thereafter R60 per adult and R30 per child, these apply for both Friday and Saturday.
