The organisers of the N3TC Drak Challenge Canoe Marathon in Underberg on 21 and 22 January have shifted the race headquarters from the Underberg School to the Underberg Country Club on the outskirts of the town to offer more space and new opportunities to participants of the popular event.
“We are continually looking at ways to make our event better and to offer more to the paddlers and their families that come to the region on the race weekend,” said race committee chair Andrew Barnett.
“As the race has grown we have seen the race registration and camping at the Underberg School coming under pressure. With a view to the continued growth of the race, and with the convenience of our paddlers in mind, it has been an easy decision to move the race HQ to the Underberg Country Club.”
“The Country Club has plenty of parking available on the polo fields, and the cricket oval has been made available for the marquee village that will host the registration as well as the Saturday night party.
“Importantly by moving the party to the country club, we keep in mind the needs of the residents in town who might be affected by the parking and noise levels that go hand-in-glove with the Saturday night party, which is enjoyed by the paddlers and locals alike,” he added.
The Underberg Country Club will once again host the annual fun inter canoe club golf day on the Saturday afternoon and will also make its pub facilities available to visiting paddlers on the Friday night, but will close its pub on the Saturday night during the party.
Barnett said that the race was still committed to supporting the Underberg School, along with a number of other Underberg/Himeville organisations like Pevensey Place, the Underberg Education Academy and the Round Table.
“We will still be offering the camping option at the Underberg School, to ensure they can generate funds from the weekend,” said Barnett.
He also confirmed that the Underberg education Academy would be running a vehicle shuttle service for paddlers that will empower them to raise funds on the weekend as well.