Northdene couple ready for Dusi challenge
he Northdene couple, who are very active on the sports scene, compete in trail running, cycling, river paddling, surfski paddling and weekly Parkruns.

TERRY Galloway completed his first Dusi Canoe Marathon in 1991 and has not looked back since, completing his 34th consecutive marathon paddle down the uMngeni and Msunduzi rivers in 2024.
This year he is aiming for his 35th consecutive race, with his fiancé Leigh-Anne Fisher.
Also read: Paddler chases his Dusi dream
As a pair they have completed three Dusi marathons in a K2 canoe.
The Northdene couple, who are very active on the sports scene, compete in trail running, cycling, river paddling, surfski paddling and weekly Parkruns.
They said their love for sport has also helped them grow stronger as a couple.
“I’ve been so fortunate having Terry’s experience to call on. He always chooses the right lines in the Dusi and makes sure we are safe. We’ve been fortunate not to take any swims over the three days since we started,” Fisher explained. “Although our lead-up to the race hasn’t been ideal in terms of river paddling hours, I feel our overall fitness levels should carry us through to the finish line at Blue Lagoon.
“My goal is to complete five paddles with Terry and then give his son, Tate, a chance to paddle with his dad. When I started I was happy to do one, but the bug bit and I now have set my sights on five. The Dusi is a storied and prestigious event and to be part of it, and do it with someone I love is incredible.”
For Galloway, the lead-up to the race has also been tough as he recovers from a broken collar bone he sustained in August last year.
Also read: Northdene couple bond through sport
“One of the first thoughts I had was what happens now for the Dusi. It has been such a massive part of my life; especially completing 34 in a row. Thankfully though I’m healed up and ready for the challenge ahead.”
The 50-year-old also gave some insight into his journey to the Dusi.
“My father Terry Snr and uncle, Bruce Auctt, were actually the ones that introduced me to the sport. My earliest memories of the race was my father taking me down to the valley when I was about 10 or 11 to help second on the route. I was fortunate to meet Graeme Pope-Ellis. He was actually a mentor of mine and gave me so much advice. He would do Dusi walks where he showed us the lines to take on the river. I was one of a lucky few to get to know him and learn from him. I did my first Dusi in 1991 at the age of 15 and I absolutely never looked back. To approach another milestone with Leigh-Anne is so special and I’m just focusing on us finishing together.”
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