Latest News

Hamish Lovemore will return to the N3TC Drak Challenge in January, bringing a world championship-winning pedigree and renewed enthusiasm for the river race that remains close to his heart. After missing the 2026 edition following its cancellation, the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast paddler is looking forward to returning to the Southern Drakensberg for the two-day race…

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…

Following the cancellation of the 2026 N3TC Drak Challenge due to the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak, Drak Challenge title sponsor N3TC, the race organising committee and the team from Sani 152 were able to distribute important funds to various beneficiaries in the area. The Drak committee was determined to use the funds donated by…

After an enforced break in 2026, the N3TC Drak Challenge will return in 2027, promising paddlers, supporters and families an unforgettable weekend in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg from 30 to 31 January. The cancellation of this year’s event due to the national Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak was a disappointment for the paddling…

Following the recent spread of foot and mouth disease through inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal, organisers of the N3TC Drak Challenge have taken the difficult decision to cancel the race for 2026. The popular two-day canoeing race on the uMzimkhulu was set to take place on 31 January to 1 February 2026, however due to a…

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…

As the spring conditions take hold of KwaZulu-Natal the focus shifts to the summer paddling season and the teams at the Canyon Kayak Club and the Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails are encouraging paddlers to enjoy the Southern Drakensberg paddling season. The uMzimkhulu River plays host to the KZN Mixed Doubles Championships during the December…

The jewel of the Southern Drakensberg, the N3TC Drak Challenge, will once again wow paddlers and spectators alike from 31 January to 1 February 2026. Now entrenched as one of South Africa’s premier river races, the Drak Challenge attracts paddlers from all over the country due to its unique appeal and one-of-a-kind hospitality. The town…

UNDERBERG – Hamish Lovemore spoiled an Andy Birkett fairytale when he claimed a maiden N3TC Drak Challenge victory on Sunday and stopped his rival and overnight leader from claiming a rare tenth-in-a-row triumph. The pair started together on the second day of the race on a low Umzimkhulu River which forced organisers to move the…

UNDERBERG – Andy Birkett took a massive step toward completing his tenth N3TC Drak Challenge victory in a row when he out-sprinted Hamish Lovemore to claim the Day 1 win on Saturday. Birkett (Team Euro Steel) ended the opening stage of the 30th Anniversary race just three seconds ahead of Lovemore in the 39km stage…