Results for the 2011 race here

Photography for 2011


Thanks to the rain-gods and our friends at Bivane Dam we had a fantastic amount of water and together with the usual chaotic enthusiasm of all involved the race was a huge success. If anyone is interested in purchasing photographs for the 2011 event then please contact Chantelle the photographer directly on mash@geecko.co.za

New Race format since 2010

After listening to your input over the years and sponsors tightening their belts starting in 2010 we restructured the race format and this worked extremely well so we will be sticking with it. In return for a slimmed down race fee we now provied less of the frills and this allows us to focus on the race itself.

  • Race entry fee will is now R 450 per entry (R 230 juniors) which includes

    • Our usual high quality race with no sacrifices on safety
    • Entry & camping for Friday at Ithala
    • Entry & camping for Friday at Bivane Dam
    • for the big number 10 we are giving First Ascent Crew Tops to the first 200 entrants - dont forget to specify your size on the entryform

  • you will need to arrange the following yourself

    • Accomodation - camping for Friday Night has been included in the entry fees, camping for saturday and any other accomodation needs to be pre-booked by yourself read more about accomodation options
    • Food for yourselves and anyone accompanying you - we will provide braai facilities and food can be booked with Ithala if you wish to use the restuarant. read more about food arrangements

Be part of an experience of a life time!!

The Ithala Challenge is now a decade old and is becoming one of the "must-do" races in KZN. Every year we aim to improve on the facilities and organisation but luckily the main part of the experience is always perfect and that is the river and gorge itself. Water levels were a problem in some of the previous years, but since moving the race slightly later in the year we have been lucky to be able to supply decent water releases making the river a pleasure to paddle. For 2010 with the help of numerous sponsors and dedicated comittee members we have built you a decent ablution block at Ithala for the camping, I think the hot shower at the end of the gruelling day is something all will look forward to!

For those new to the race - the Ithala challenge was voted by the KNCU as the best one day event race in KwaZulu - Natal 4 times including 2009. It was also adjudged the runner-up in the Tourism KZN Emerging Tourism Event of the Year Competition. They were impressed - we will do the same for you.

Please note you must be an AR rated paddler to enter this race and the race is restricted to 250 paddlers due to environmental impact, so don't delay.


When :

Saturday 19th November 2011

Where :

The start at Bivane dam and finish at Ithala
See map

Entry fee :

Is R450.00 per paddlers (Juniors R230.00) which includes Race entry, gate entry and Camping Fees at Bivane Dam or Ntshondwe camp site on Friday, gate entry and camping fee at Ithala Reserve on Saturday. No meals have been included this year, these can either be brought along or booked directly with Ithala.
more info..

Registration:

Registration will take place on Friday 18th November at Bivane Dam and Ntshondwe Camp (Ithala Game Reserve), from 5pm till 9:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE : The Ithala Game Reserve main gate will be open till 09:00pm only !!
more info..

Accommodation:

The whole Ithala reserve and hotel has been booked out for the paddlers and there is more camping at Bivane Dam, which will be used on friday 18th November. On Saturday 19th November camping will be at the Ntshondwe camp in Ithala reserve. Prize giving will be held at Ntshondwe Camp, Ithala on Saturday Evening. There are a number of other accomodation options, please visit the about the race page for more information.
more info..