Gold medal hopefuls prepare for Dusi
The Dusi, which is only a month away, is expected to test the endurance of all entrants and the anticipation of it all has seen more people preparing for the tough competition.
There may perhaps be no better way to prepare for what is considered the world’s toughest endurance race than with the Eurosteel Rumble.
Nkosi Mzolo, a Rosebank Fire Department paramedic and his partner Shaun Maphanga took part in the two-day race of 36km and 24km per day.
This run-up to the Dusi on 11 and 12 January allowed entrants an opportunity to get a taste of what the Dusi will ask for. The gruelling canoe race in the Gauteng north region took place on the Juksei River and saw contestants paddle from Heron Bridge to the Hartebeespoort Dam.
Despite being a run-up to the Dusi, the competition was fierce, forcing entrants to paddle in the blistering sun through very low waters and with tough, steep running sections. The competition also allowed paddlers to compete against other Dusi entrants and test their strengths and capabilities.
Contestants used the Rumble as a way to get sponsorship, rewarding prize money and solid preparation for the race.
The partnership between Mzolo and Maphanga of Florida Lake, saw them finish seventh overall in a time of 4:52.
Other entrants included the 2013 winner Lance Kime, his partner Thulani Mbanjwa and the tag team of Kwanda Mhlophe and Zonele Nzuza.
