Hank McGregor is yet to be beaten in the Petrefuel Dolphin Coast Challenge and is hoping to continue that streak this weekend.

The Salt Rock resident and paddling legend is back in action after finishing 2nd in the Berg River Canoe Marathon last weekend.

The 2020 Dolphin Coast Challenge was cancelled owing to coronavirus concerns and McGregor is keen to be back competing on his home stretch.

“It is right on my doorstep, and this is the stretch of ocean that I train on just about every day, so it is a race that I really look forward to. It is my local major,” said the eleven times marathon world champion.

McGregor has dominated the race since its inception, winning multiple singles and doubles titles.

The two day event sees a significant portion of the KZN coastline being covered.

On Saturday, the paddlers race for 22kms from North Beach to Umdloti Beach.

On Sunday, the competitors will take off from Umdloti before paddling for 23kms to reach Salt Rock.

“We can’t control the conditions on the day but it would be great to have a light West with small surf so that it is manageable for everyone.

“If you see Salt Rock or Tiffanys in all their glory when the surf is huge you will not get too many people keen to paddle out!”

The Saturday portion of the race also double as this year’s KZN single ski championships for 2021, adding to the jeopardy of the event.

With a title up for grabs, the field will be filled with elite athletes in both the male and female section

“We’ve had a very stressful last month defending our livelihoods and not even having time to think about training, and the whole lockdown has been stressful, so we are all looking forward to the Dolphin Coast as a chance to unwind and enjoy the best that the North Coast can offer,” closed McGregor.

For more information visit www.dolphincoastchallenge.durban