The countdown to the 50th Berg River Canoe Marathon has officially begun. Premium beer brand Windhoek, kicked off what will be a momentous marathon by honouring the Legends of the Berg River Marathon at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.
The event starts this week from 13 to 17 July between Paarl and Veldrift in the Western Cape and is set to be the biggest and most exciting Berg River marathon to date.
Comments Alan Roberts, marketing manager of the Windhoek Trademark in South Africa: “Kicking off the 50th Berg River Marathon by honouring these Legends, who are previous winners of this notoriously gruelling marathon, is significant as they are an integral part of the 50 year old history of the race and examples of the calibre of sportsmanship in store for this year’s race and years to follow.”
A legend in his own right, Riaan Manser, will also be participating in the 50th Windhoek Berg River Marathon. Manser, who embarked on an expedition to circumnavigate Iceland by kayak with his partner Dan Skinstad in March this year, has returned to South Africa for this epic event so that he can fulfil his desire to take part in the 50th anniversary of the race. Manser will be taking on two gruelling adventures, one within the other, performing what is arguably a first for any South African. Aiming to complete the remaining half of his Icelandic expedition, Manser will return to Iceland immediately after the marathon event to continue his Icelandic expedition.
The start of the race is a mere hour and half away from Cape Town and spectators will be able to witness the action as it unfolds from the various viewing points available along the Berg River. Not just for sports enthusiasts and paddlers, this year’s Berg marathon can be enjoyed by the whole family. With food, drinks, amenities and entertainment such as acoustic rock band Plush on offer, a jovial atmosphere is guaranteed.
“Windhoek believes in providing platforms such as the Berg River Canoe Marathon for individuals who have the courage of their convictions to not only participate but complete a tough race such as this. We have just honoured the Legends who have won previous Berg races and now call on spectators to join us as we support and salute the legends in the making who will be participating this year,” concludes Roberts.
