Birkett and Mackenzie crowned Dusi winners
Both winners made history in the men’s and women’s races at the Dusi Canoe Marathon on Saturday.
ANDY Birkett was in a class of his own on Saturday as he claimed his 15th Dusi Canoe Marathon title, equalling Dusi King Graeme Pope-Ellis’ record 15 wins.
Birkett was joined on the men’s podium by Sbonelo Khwela, who finished in second place and Matt Fenn who finished in third.
“The last three days has been really special. It’s never an easy race but I’m stoked with the win and I will be back next year. To come back to each year is a privilege and I’m grateful for that,” he said.
In the women’s race, Christie Mackenzie claimed her fourth K1 Dusi Canoe Marathon title.
Mackenzie, who won the 2019, 2021 and 2023 K1 titles, is only the third woman to win four Dusi K1 titles in a row, joining Marlene Lowenstein and Abby Ulansky.
“It feels great to get back to Durban safely in one piece and to claim the win. I was grateful for the water levels and to be competing at the Dusi again after missing last year. I knew I was paddling my 10th Dusi but when you’re out on the water you kind of forget about it. When I was handed my Green Number at the end I thought this is awesome,” she said.
The third and final stage of the Dusi saw competitors paddle 36km from Inanda Dam to Blue Lagoon where they were greeted by hundreds of spectators on the banks of the uMngeni River.
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