Drak Challenge confirms green light for 2027

As the rains arrive in the Southern Drakensberg and paddling the uMzimkhulu River becomes top of mind, the organisers of the N3TC Drak Challenge want to reassure paddlers that the race will go ahead as planned on 30-31 January.

The 2026 edition of the famous two-day race was cancelled due to the devastating foot and mouth disease outbreak in the region, however since January the vaccination drive amongst the farmers in the region has been successful and the threat from the disease is under control.

“We are excited that we can give paddlers reassurance that the race will be going ahead in 2027,” race organising committee chairman Greg Hitchins said. “We have engaged with the Underberg Farmers Association, the local vets as well as the key landowners and they are all very positive about the Drak returning next year.

“It was a difficult decision to cancel the race this year, but we know that it was the right one and that has definitely helped us build on our strong relationship with the people in the region that make this race possible.”

2027 will be the 32nd edition of the Drak Challenge and the organisers are confident that paddlers will be excited to return to the Southern Drakensberg for what is one of the premier races on the river paddling calendar.

The recent rains that have fallen throughout KwaZulu-Natal have positively impacted the water level in the uMzimkhulu River and this means that the paddling season can officially get underway with the Drak Challenge at the forefront of people’s minds.

“The Drak Challenge has become such an important part of the paddling calendar both in KZN and nationally so it’s fantastic that we can welcome paddlers back to the region with good clean water and brilliant paddling conditions.

“The local hospitality industry were very supportive of the event and we are hopeful that we can help them again over what is always a busy period in the area.

“The 2027 Drak Challenge promises to be another exciting edition of the race and we will continue to make sure that we provide paddlers with the best value for money, and memorable, paddling experience they can have,” Hitchins added.

The organising committee confirmed that entries for the 2027 N3TC Drak Challenge will open on 1 November.