Fresh talent, ex-Fish River champ in same boat

FORMER Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon champion Hilary Pitchford has opted to take on this year's race with a new partner – talented youngster Brittany Petersen.

Having claimed a Fish River victory two years ago with regular marathon contestant Abby Adie, Pitchford is looking forward to tackling the race again, despite being behind in training.

"I've been training for a trail running race which will take place two weeks after the Fish, so it's been tough," Pitchford said.

Petersen's preparations have also been a mixed bag between varsity work, sprinting and marathon training. However, the Varsity College student believes she has all bases covered, particularly after a successful Pre-Fish Marathon stint.

"I'd been doing base training for a while and then with SA Sprint Champs having taken place not too long ago I did a bit of speed work too. So, even though before Pre-Fish I hadn't been on a river since Dusi, I've done bits and pieces of pretty much everything recently and I've tried to keep training hard," Petersen said.

For more information, visit www.fishmarathon.org.za