Umdloti’s Christie MacKenzie and Saskia Hockly power to first K2 Dusi victory
Salt Rock's Keegan Vogt also finished second in the U18 division.
Umdloti powerhouse paddling duo Christie MacKenzie and Saskia Hockly stormed to a dramatic K2 victory at the 75th Dusi Canoe Marathon on Saturday.
Racing the Dusi together for the first time, MacKenzie (26) and Hockly (22), who are also best friends, completed the iconic three-day 120km route from Bishopstowe Hall to Blue Lagoon in 8:08:14. Abby Solms and Robyn Groenink (8:09:22), who led after Day 1, finished just over a minute behind after a sprint finish down the final stretch.
For 11-time Dusi finisher and five-time K1 winner MacKenzie, lifting the K2 crown marked a long-awaited achievement.
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“This is absolutely unreal,” said MacKenzie.
“This has been one I have wanted for a while. It was super special because I got to race with Sas.”
Photo: Graham Daniel – 369Communications.
Hockly, racing the Dusi for only the third time and the first time in five years, was thrilled with the result.
“It was really tough and I was undertrained going into the race,” said Hockly.
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“To win my first senior Dusi with my best friend is pretty special – it’s a dream come true.”
The pair surged into contention on Day 2 after trailing overnight, using the flatwater sections to close the gap before carrying their momentum into the final stage. Their blend of power, endurance and composure in the big rapids carried them not only to victory but also to an impressive 17th place overall.
In the men’s U18 division, Salt Rock’s Keegan Vogt (17) and his Cape Town partner Ryley Smith (17) finished second (7:50:32) and 10th overall.
“Top 10 was my goal, so I am super stoked,” said Vogt.
“We could not have asked for better water levels, which meant we had lots of fun shooting the big rapids.
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“Day 3 was awesome! We shot everything and even took a gamble by shooting Pumphouse Weir, which paid off – we were the fifth-fastest boat on the day.”
A number of other locals finished the popular river race. Find the full results at dusi.co.za/results.
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