by SFT | Jul 27, 2026 | St Francis
A couple of my favourite photos from the Pam Golding Properties – St Francis Bay Canals Winter Doubles Challenge 😎
With 110 paddlers, it was almost certainly the biggest field we have had in the 21 years of this event, held on Saturday morning in absolutely perfect conditions 👍
Ricci Talevi and Uli Hart took the trophy, with Nix Birkett and Jade Wilson the winning ladies 👏
I think everyone enjoyed themselves … I certainly did 😊
Guppies:
There were 30 “Guppies” (under 8, 10, 12 and 14) .. by far the most ever 👏
Comment from Chairman Charlie Jonsson:
“I can’t over-emphasize the importance of Nix’s guppy development program in developing the next generation.
Camilla Prins (13) and Libby Knez (9) teamed up to do 10kms, winning the girls Under 18 with a time of 1.03. Quite remarkable.
Thanks to Richard, the timekeepers and the rest of the StF Team. A perfect day”
The 20km Main Race:
Obviously it was going to be tricky to keep up with Uli Hart (two time u23 world surfski champ) and very fit Ricci Talevi (even though well past 40 … and now five times on the trophy) 👏
They paddled at a blistering sub 44 minutes per 10km pace, and finished about four minutes ahead of top PE based paddlers, Greg Louw and Hein Van Rooyen (Hein now also past 40!) 👏
Good to see Leo Stone and Luke O’Connor, very little over over u18, finish just behind Greg and Hein 👏
Then two minutes further back, four boats, including u18 mixed Liam Stephenson and Madison Fourie (from Plett) and our local u16 Moore boys, Josh and Jake 👏
Then a seven minute gap before the next 15 boats started arriving, firstly the top ladies (who had some boat issues), Jade Wilson and Nix Birkett, and a bit later Pete King and Andrew Knight, first over 65 (but it was noticed that the Jaco/Dylan and Plett bunch dropped them near the end 😳)
Congrats:
20km
Overall
1. Uli Hart/Ricci Talevi
2. Greg Louw/Hein van Rooyen
3. Leo Stone/Luke O’Connor
Ladies
1. Nix Birkett/Jade Wilson
2. Kirsten Scott/Janine Linder
Mixed
1. Liam Stephenson/Madison Fourie
2. Charl van Wyk/Daynie Loots
3. Ian & Liz Russell
Over 65
1. Pete King/Andrew Knight
2. Gerard Demkes/Frank Dabrowski
3. Brian Wilson/Toby Mare
U18
1. Liam Stephenson/Madison Fourie
2. Josh & Jack Moore
10km
Overall
1. Richard Arderne/Byron Andrews
2. Carmel Billson/Janine Prins
3. Rob Gault/Steph Arndt
Ladies
1. Carmel Sadler/Janine Prins
2. Anna Hay/Magda Boshoff
Mixed
1. Rob Gault/Steph Arndt
2. Ken McGregor/Jill Dunlop
3. Jenni & Hugh Friedenstein
Over 65
1. Ken McGregor/Jill Dunlop
2. Dappie Prinsloo/Rooies Robbertse
Under 18
1. Camilla Prins/Libby Knezovich
Congrats to the over 70 youngsters: Dappie Prinsloo, Graham Boyd, Ken McGregor, Ian Russell, Hugh Friedenstein, and Frank Dabrowski, especially the last three who completed the 20km race 👏
And to the Under 8’s! Emily Miller, Che Goldstone, David Birkett, and James Torode 👏
(we need to attract more paddlers between the ages of 16 and 35!)
Thank You’s:
Thank you to the Pam Golding Organizing Team:
Nix Birkett, Magda Boshoff, Mandy McMregor, Anita Dabrowski, Kath Bowren, Jen Jonsson, Charlie Jonsson, Carol Rothero, Marie Louw, Dave Louw, Pete Mitchley, Pete King, and Ken McGregor.
Thanks Don Hunter for the wonderful action shots and Cameron Gav BiggsCameron Gav Biggs for pre-start, start, and prize-giving shots 🙏
A Personal Note:
Byron Andrews and I set a new record for surfing behind a big bunch (including Pete/Andrew and Jaco/Dylan) for 10km … luckily they didn’t notice us, so didn’t even ask us to pull .. not that we would have heard them anyway 😎
We won the 10km short course in a pleasing 50minutes … I got lots of stick for not paddling the 20km, but my excuse is that it’s a bit tricky running a prize giving 5min after finishing a 20km race! 😊
by SFT | Jul 27, 2026 | St Francis
Edited by Gavin Harvey, Fanta Gous and Nigel Harvey,
—
Some races are remembered for the winners. Others are remembered for the stories they leave behind. The PE2EL Challenge has produced both, and many of those stories are now preserved in a new book celebrating one of South Africa’s most demanding ocean paddling events.
Book Launch Celebrates PE2EL Challenge History
The PE2EL Challenge book was officially launched at the Blue Water Canoe Club at North End Lake. The event brought together paddlers, organisers and supporters who have helped shape the race over more than six decades.
Editors Gavin Harvey, Fanta Gous and Nigel Harvey spent more than two years compiling the publication. Their goal was to preserve the history of the iconic race before valuable memories, photographs and records disappeared.
One Of South Africa’s Toughest Ocean Races
The PE2EL Challenge covers approximately 240 kilometres between Gqeberha and East London. Since the first race in 1962, the event has earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s toughest ocean paddling challenges.
Competitors must prepare carefully for the demanding conditions. Every paddler also needs to complete a qualifying paddle before being allowed to enter the race.
Years Of Research Brought Together
The editorial team collected race reports, newspaper clippings, photographs, social media posts and personal accounts from paddlers who competed across more than 60 years.
Award-winning author Dean Allen combined the material into a single volume that tells the story of the race from its earliest years to the present day.
Finding contributors proved challenging. Many former competitors now live overseas, while others were traced through paddling networks and long-standing contacts. Despite those obstacles, the editors worked to make the book as comprehensive as possible.
More Than A Race Record
The book offers much more than a timeline of results. Readers will find complete race records, statistics, paddler profiles, historical photographs and first-hand stories from the water.
Speaking at the launch, Gavin Harvey said the project aimed to preserve the race’s history for future generations.
The book also highlights the spectacular coastline between Gqeberha and East London, showing why the PE2EL Challenge has remained one of the country’s most respected endurance events for more than 60 years.
National Launch Tour Planned
Additional launch events are planned for Gqeberha, Johannesburg, St Francis Bay, the Garden Route and Cape Town.
The Cape Town launch will take place on 20 August. Online sales of the book are expected to follow soon.
by SFT | Jul 27, 2026 | St Francis
The countdown has begun for one of the Eastern Cape’s favourite trail running weekends. The 2026 Chokka Trail Run returns to Cape St Francis on Saturday, 8 August, and Sunday, 9 August, marking the event’s 10th anniversary.
With just 12 days to go, organisers are encouraging runners to enter before the starting horn sounds on another memorable weekend of trail running.
A Weekend For Every Runner
The anniversary edition offers something for runners of all abilities. Participants can choose from several distances and formats, including:
- Ultra Marathon
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10km Trail Run
- New multi-day trail experiences
Whether you are chasing a personal best or simply looking for a weekend on the trails, there is an event to suit every level of fitness.
More Than A Trail Run
The Chokka Trail Run has earned a reputation for much more than its race routes. Every year, the event attracts runners from around the country to experience the scenery, hospitality and relaxed atmosphere of Cape St Francis.
This year’s programme will once again feature spectacular coastal and nature reserve trails. In addition, runners can enjoy great food, local specials and a lively afterparty once the day’s racing is complete. Friends and family are also encouraged to join the festivities, making it a true weekend away rather than simply another race.
Celebrating A Decade
Organised by St Francis Sport, the Chokka Trail Run has become a fixture on the local sporting calendar. Reaching its 10th edition is a significant milestone and another reason for runners to be part of this year’s event.
Entries remain open, but organisers say registrations continue to arrive steadily as race weekend approaches.
Those planning to take part are encouraged to secure their place soon and join the celebrations in Cape St Francis on 8 and 9 August.
Enter the 2026 Chokka Trail Run here: https://www.entryninja.com/event/83379-chokka-trail-run-2026
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