Time and Date
Lomond Canoe Marathon Program
- Date: 22 September 2018
- Registration opens: 08h30
- Registration main event closes: 09h30
- Race start: 10h00
- Registration Guppy marathon closes: 12h00
- Great Lomond Guppy Marathon starts: 12h30
- Prize giving for all festival events: 14h30
Mini Marathon
As the successful, but slightly dry, WC River season winds down, it is time to wash the dust off your flat-water skills! The Lomond mini-Marathon is an ideal opportunity for this with a fun filled multi-sport festival to entice your non-paddling friends and family! Share it with a friend and continue to spread the Breede marathon nurture-a-novice mojo! Use it as prep for the great Fish River Marathon just 2 weeks on! It will certainly be one of the tougher events on the loyal seconder's calendar so be sure to get it in their diaries ASAP!
P.S. Lots of treats on hand to reward their devotion!
The course is a 6km lap around the periphery of the dam.
A fast start in the shelter of the dam wall breaks to a 90-degree left hand corner before heading into the chase to reach Giel's Break. This bends right and hard left round the buoy through shallower water in the cove and will shake an unwary tail setting up the pull to the hairpin at the top of the dam. This turn takes you back to the north bank and heading homeward. After rounding out from the riverine section of the dam the 2.5km back to the finish line will test your strength, fitness and technique. Paddlers in the short race cross the finish line while middle and long jump out for a short portage to stretch legs and woo the eagerly waiting crowds! It is one more lap for middlers and two, with a second portage, for the courageous long distance entries.
- Date: 22 September 2018
- Cost: R100 per senior, R75 students and juniors.
Enter online here or at the venue on the day.
- Registration from 08h30 to 09h30.
- Race start at 10h00.
This year’s race will be a K1 event. However, all racing craft are welcome to participate. Prizes on the day for 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in each distance. Age group categories will be recorded and published after the race.
Please bring life jackets and splashies. While we will do our best to host the event as advertised conditions on the day may require changes to ensure safe paddling.
Guppy Marathon
Oh YES! It is time for the toughest Guppy race in the whole of the world!
Or at least in our little bit of paradise out here in the Overberg! Picture it! Exhausted seconds chill out on the grassy banks of the Lomond Dam while their doting paddlers ply them with suitable treats for a season's hectic competition. In the foreground, the intrepid Guppy crew prepare their boats for the test to come. Hordes of envious mountain bikers surround the sleek [code for "slightly tubby"] forms of the lightweight racing shells laid out across the grass. Those paddlers not signing autographs are nervously instructing their boat handlers [code for "mom" or "dad"] in specific requirements for the upcoming portage! Nutritional supplements? Check. Drag-line for competitors’ boat? Check. Funny hat, mask or other ridiculous items to be worn by boat handlers? Check!
Yip! The Great Lomond Guppy Race will feature a portage for the U10 and U12 classes! A second will be permitted to assist - and ONLY to assist - in carrying the boats through. However, all seconds doing so must wear the aforementioned funny hat, mask or ridiculous item while doing so. Spot prizes to be awarded to the most photogenic examples!
The route for the Guppy race will be the same fast start along the dam wall followed earlier by the geriatric mob. After the sprint, turn left around the fish tanks and then head up along the bank to the first buoy. Left at the buoy and head across the dam - safety boats will be in attendance - to the second buoy. Another left and paddlers will be on the home straight. U8 head for the finish line. U10 and U12 cut in at the portage to enjoy the cheers of the adoring spectators! U10 will complete one more lap and U12 need to tough it out for another two. Laps are 1.5km long giving total distances of approx. 1.5km, 3km and 4.5km for each race.
- Date: 22 September 2018
- Cost: R50 per entry.
Enter online here or at the venue on the day.
- Registration from 08h30 to 12h00.
- Race start at 12h30.
Only official Guppy racing boats permitted! Prizes on the day for 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in each distance. Race distance is restricted to the appropriate age group.
Lifejackets are compulsory for all Guppy paddlers. Splashies may be worn but coaches and parents should ensure the competitor is competent in their safe use. While we will do our best to host the event as advertised conditions on the day may require changes to ensure safe paddling. Sweeps and safety boats will be on the water with the racers.
