Having been in the competitive racing wilderness for some time, Len Jenkins returns to one of his famous hunting grounds this weekend as he takes on the 2015 Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon – a race that doubles as the 2015 South African K2 Championships – with Soweto Canoeing and Recreation Club star Siseko Ntondini.
Jenkins, known as the ‘Fisher King’ for his decade long dominance of the race, has not been racing competitively for a few years however after being approached by ADreach – a sponsor of the SCARC outfit – the paddling sensation and Ntondini have been hard at work preparing for this weekend’s clash.
“Personally I am a little bit nervous going into the race this weekend,” the six time winner said. “I have normally got a lot more miles in me by this stage of preparation but Siseko has been staying with me for the last week and we have managed to get in some good training.
With combinations such as Hank McGregor and Jasper Mocké, Andy Birkett and Greg Louw, Jakub Adam and Michael Odvarko as well as Brandon van der Walt and Stu Maclaren – amongst many others – all eager to occupy this year’s Hansa Fish podium, Jenkins is reluctant to suggest he and Ntondini have any pre-race title hopes.
“I don’t think that we are going to win the Hansa Fish but just being able to race hard against ourselves and some of the guys around us will create that race within a race which brings out that competitive edge.
A number of Rhodes University Canoe Club members will be taking part in this weekend’s race. They are Jason Aubin, Pierre Schweyer, David Goble, Wesley Pons, Richard Gardiner, Roger van Tonder, Kyle Smetherham, Adam Klaas, Joshua van Schalkwyk, Rachel Johnstone, Kyle Johnstone, Glenn Cuthbert, Luke Cuthbert, Angela Chappel, Sean Herd-Hoare and Bruce McClure.
The Hansa Fish River Canoe marathon takes place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2015. More information can be found at www.fishmarathon.org.za
