The first day of the 50th Windhoek Berg River Canoe marathon kicked off on a high note today as 355 paddlers from across the country took off from below the Market Street Bridge in Paarl, marking the official start of South Africa’s most gruelling canoe race.
Day 1 of the race concluded at the Zonquasdrift Bridge where a cheerful crowd of supporters welcomed the paddlers. In first place for the first stage and claiming the yellow jersey was seven-time champion, Hank McGregor, Pierre-Andre Rabie came in second place and Lance King in third place. Taking first place for the women and the coveted yellow jersey was Olympian Michele Eray, followed by Robyn Kyme and then Jen Hodson, also an Olympian, who claimed third place.
Comments Alan Roberts, Marketing manager of the Windhoek trademark: “The race is definitely off to a good start. We are proud to have provided the platform for all these paddlers who have displayed raw commitment and determination to compete in the race, braving the chilly start to the morning. We could not have asked for better weather and are happy with the turnout and support from spectators from Paarl and the surrounding areas.”
Also present at the start to see off the paddlers was Paarl Mayor, Gesie van Deventer who commended the scale and calibre of this year’s race: “This event has been exceptionally organised and I am excited that the interest from the public has grown too. I am especially impressed with the number of female participants and the determination and skill they have displayed,” she said.
“The mayoral office is committed to facilitating the growth of this race into a more festive and public event that will hopefully draw more international interest and participation,” added van Deventer.
“This is only the beginning, the remaining three days of the race promises lots of canoeing action and a festive mood and we encourage spectators to follow the race route and support the paddlers in the 50th Windhoek Berg River Marathon,” concluded Roberts.
Day Two of the race will see the paddlers heading off from Zonquasdrift at 9am and will end at Bridgetown.
