Dusi Canoe Marathon crowns its champs
Andy Birkett made history on Saturday, becoming the most decorated paddler in Dusi Canoe Marathon history when he won his 16th title.
HISTORY was made at the finish of the Dusi Canoe Marathon on Saturday morning (February 21) as Andy Birkett became the first person in the 75-year history of the men’s race to win it 16 times.
Paddling with Matt Fenn, the duo repeated their feat of 2024 (also a doubles year), crossing the finish line at Blue Lagoon to rapturous applause.
Despite a brave effort the chasing pair of Sbonelo Khwela and Msawenkosi Mtolo could not catch the leaders and they ended in second place.
In the women’s race, uMdloti paddlers Christie Mackenzie and Saskia Hockly claimed victory after an intense battle with Abby Solms and Robyn Groenink who were neck and neck on the final day.
Mackenzie, who holds four K1 titles, was chasing an elusive K2 crown and managed to do that with her best friend Hockly.
Hockly, paddling her first Dusi since 2021, celebrated her 22nd birthday on Day 2 of the race and put celebrations on hold as the job was not done yet.
In the lead-up to the race, the pair won a few pre-Dusi races, including the 50 Miler and the Inanda Dam to Durban races, which cover most of the final two days of the Dusi route.
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