Randburg paddler enjoys the three-day Dusi marathon

Randburg resident Kevin Hunt partnered with Darryn Koertzen in the 74th Dusi Canoe River Marathon on February 21 and 22.

The race takes place on the Msunduzi and Mgeni rivers over three days and covers 120km. The race attracts between 1 600 and 2 000 paddlers every year, making it the biggest canoeing event on the African continent.

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The tradition of Dusi goes back to the 1960s and is unique in that paddlers have to take their canoes out of the water and run with them at certain points during the race. It is a physical challenge which requires lots of training and preparation.

Hunt and the highly experienced Koertzen finished 14th in the Veteran age category and as 53rd K2 (double kayak) in a time of 11:53:00 over the three days – the three-day times broken down as 03:01:00, 05:13:00 and 03:38:00 respectively.

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Hunt said finishing a race such as this was an achievement in itself. “The Dusi is always a tough race, and while there were moments I could have pushed harder, I’m happy with my overall effort.”

He added the race was incredibly tough, physically and mentally. The combination of long paddling sections, challenging portages, and unpredictable river conditions makes it one of the most demanding endurance events out there. The heat and technical aspects of the course also added to the difficulty.

“The portages were brutal, especially in the heat and mud. Managing fatigue and staying hydrated was a constant battle. The river conditions also played a role – some sections were tricky with low water levels, making navigation difficult. On top of that, keeping a steady pace while dealing with muscle fatigue was a real test of endurance.”

Despite the exhaustion and toughness of the event, Hunt enjoyed the camaraderie and the adventure. He added that there was something special about tackling such a tough challenge alongside fellow paddlers who shared the same passion.

“The mix of river paddling and trail running through the valleys makes it a truly unique race. Plus, the sense of accomplishment at the finish line is unbeatable.”

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