Drak Challenge entries open and ready for 2026

Entries for the 2026 N3TC Drak Challenge are open and race organisers are encouraging paddlers to get their entries in early ahead of the race from 31 January to 1 February.

The Drak Challenge remains one of the country’s premier river races and 2026 will attract the nation’s best river paddlers who will be out to battle for glory over the two days on the uMzimkhulu River.

Andy Birkett won back the title that he relinquished in 2024 when he claimed the honours earlier this year ahead of his K2 partner Matt Fenn with 2024 champion Hamish Lovemore claiming third.

In the women’s race it was Christie Mackenzie who claimed the crown ahead of Nix Birkett in a race for the ages. The pair were separated by just two seconds across the two days of racing. Saskia Hockly was less than 20 seconds behind in third place.

The Drak has always dished up exciting racing at the sharp end of the field, however it’s the rank-and-file paddlers that get the biggest thrill from a weekend’s worth of negotiating rapids in the Southern Drakensberg.

With another warm and wet summer expected across the country, the Drak Challenge organisers encourage paddlers to commit to the 2026 Drak early.

“It’s shaping up to be another exciting summer of paddling in the Southern Drakensberg, and we hope to see an increase in our entries from last year,” Greg Hitchins said.

“If you commit nice and early then you’ll have plenty of time to prepare for the race next year.

“We’re expecting another bumper summer of rain, and this will hopefully translate into great water during the race.

“It’s still a long way off but we will make sure that we keep everyone up to date on the river levels and the conditions.”

Hitchins and the Drak committee are also encouraging paddlers and their families to make a December trip to Underberg and enjoy the KZN Mixed Doubles Championships and the Umzimkhulu River Rally weekend.

“The KZN Mixed Doubles is a great pre-cursor to the Drak, and we encourage as many people as possible to come up and enjoy the weekend with us.

“It’s a very relaxed, family-focused weekend that can also provide some good insight into the river and some good ‘match practice’ for some.

“Our Mixed Doubles Committee are ready to put on a great weekend and it’s one that should not be missed.

“Khotso will be offering meals and are planning on offering a tubing and running event for the 16th of December which is a public holiday.

“We’re suggesting that people make a long weekend of it, practicing for the Dark while enjoying the Mixed Doubles Race, which will be starting from Balam and finishing at the Callaway Bridge,” Hitchins added.