The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin 2011 Wrap-up
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The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin - Media Release
Date : Sunday, 13 November 2011
Subject : Wrap
Website : http://www.ozziegladwin.co.za
Spectators were treated to a stunning performance by the newly crowned world marathon canoeing champion yesterday (Sunday) at The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon which took place at Albert falls near Pietermaritzburg. Hank McGregor who won the world canoeing marathon championships only a few weeks ago decided “at the last minute” to take part.
He and partner Grant van der Walt took the race by the scruff of the neck beating an in-form Michael Mbanjwa and partner Eric Zondi who finished second.
"Initially I was going to paddle the race with and my Dusi partner Ant Stott, but he is carrying an injury. Grant van der Walt and I did a 50 km downwind surf-ski paddle on Saturday and it went so well that I suggested to him that we do the Ozzie. His answer to me was that he would love to do it, but was concerned that we might be late for our flight to a race in Hong Kong which departed on Sunday afternoon at 3 PM. I said to him well then we better paddle fast and we did - enough to win".
The pair went head-to-head with Michael Mbanjwa and Eric Zondi until they got to Cascades approximately 6 km from the finish. It was there that they literally opened up the taps and won by almost 2 minutes.
One of the surprises of the day was the pairing of Len Jenkins and Greg Louw who won the Vaal marathon last week. They were tipped to win, but slid into third place behind Michael Mbanjwa and Eric Zondi.
In the ladies race, the Adie Twins battled it out with the Dusi Queen Abby Miedema and Robyn Kime. After a long and arduous battle the Adie Twins managed to win the event.
"We are very happy with the way the event has grown over the last few years. We had the biggest field in over 10 years and what is very encouraging is that we had more guppies (12 and younger) then we have ever had. In fact, it is the biggest field of guppies outside of South African schools Championships which includes the whole country" said Paul Firman, chairman of the organisers.
The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin is traditionally the largest one day canoe race in South Africa and yesterday was no exception with over 750 paddlers taking to the water. It is the first Dusi seeding race of the season which makes it a must on the calendar.
All eyes are now on the various combinations for The Unlimited Dusi which promises to be one of the best yet. The event which takes place on February 16, 17 and 18 next year is approaching fast for paddlers who are preparing for the event.
The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin is a K2 (doubles) race as is the Dusi.
Ends
Released by : Ray de Vries of Ray de Vries Communications on behalf of Paul Firman, Chairman of the organisers, Natal Canoe Club
For further information kindly contact Ray de Vries
Cell: 082 8844881
E-mail: ray@raydevries.co.za
Website: www.raydevries.co.za
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The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin prize money increase
Organisers of The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon have announced a whopping 30% increase in prize money.The prize-money, courtesy of The Unlimited, has been increased to over R40 000 which is the biggest prize money in a one-day race in South Africa and is set to attract some of the country's top paddlers.
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