Sbonelo claims fifth Non-Stop title
Despite the heat and intense conditions last Friday, Sbonelo led the pack across the finish line at last week's Non-Stop Dusi.
A fifth Non-Stop Dusi Canoe Marathon title became a reality for Sbonelo Khwela when he dominated the grueling 110-kilometre contest last Friday.
“In 2014 I tried to convince myself to do the Non-Stop in a K1 but I ended up doing it with Hank McGregor and we won,” Sbonelo said. “I would really like to thank my wife for convincing me to do the race in a K1 last year and then helping me to get back into a K1 for this year’s race. She kept on pushing me and saying that I am the only person that can win the race in a K1, so I am really happy that she convinced me again.”
Martin Dreyer’s Computershare Change a Life Academy was the shining light to emerge from the 2016 ‘Dusi in a Day’ as they claimed five out of the top seven K2 crews, which included no less than eight paddlers who are part of the Valley of a Thousand Hills setup. Sbonelo also serves as an ambassador for the programme, having spent many of his younger years as a CAL member.
With the late withdrawal by early pre-race favourite, Abby Solms, Kelly Howe and Susan Carter-Brown surged to the front of the field from the get-go and never once relinquished their lead despite the chase of Jordan and Kim Peek.
More information can be found at www.nonstopdusi.co.za.
Summary of results:
Overall
1. Sbonelo Khwela 8:43.03
2. Thulani Mbanjwa/Sboniso Shozi 8:55.04
3. Richard Cele/Nhlanhla Cele 8:59.23
4. Alan Houston/Banetse Nkhoesa 9:08.20
5. Jacques Theron/Carl Folscher 9:12.04
6. Mmeli Cele/Mthobisi Cele 9:14.12
7. Mzamo Zondi/Khumbulani Nzimande 9:16.55
8. Jakub Adam (CZE) 9:18.27
9. Shaun Griffin/Kevin Musgrave 9:31.38
10. Loveday Zondi 9:40.32
