Windhoek
Berg Canoe Marathon takes bold step forward in 2010
Cape Town – The country’s toughest canoe marathon has taken a
bold step forward with the announcement that 2010 edition of the
four day ultra-marathon from Paarl to the Cape West Coast will be
known as the Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon.
Taking place the week after the FIFA World Cup Final, the
Windhoek Berg River canoe marathon will once again pit the cream
of the country’s marathon river racers against one another and
the elements of the Cape winter over the 128km route to Velddrif
from Wednesday 14 July to Saturday 17 July.
“The Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon is one of the hardest,
and most grueling, canoe races of the year,” said Windhoek
Marketing manager Mark von Bentheim. ““It takes dedication and
staying true to what you believe in, in order to complete the
race.”
“Above all, it is the absolute commitment and passion for the
sport that has brought the Windhoek trademark together with the
Berg River Canoe Marathon, to celebrate in the accomplishment,
and commitment, that separates those that complete the Berg River
from the fair weather paddlers,” von Bentheim added.
“It really is
the ultimate challenge,” said defending champion Hank McGregor.
“Every top paddler wants to win this race, and it is a serious
test of stamina and endurance.”
“As a young boy growing up in the Cape I used to dream about one
day taking part in the race, and having won it a number of times
I cannot imagine a year without training for and competing in the
Windhoek Berg,” he added.
Started in 1962, when 44 year old Nollie Meiring won the race
from the small field of nineteen finishers, the tough four day
canoe race is recognised for it’s extreme endurance demands, and
the unique challenges from the Cape winter weather.
Its longest stage is the 75 kilometer third stage – the longest
single days racing on the national canoeing calendar - the
entire route is laced with testing tree blocks, swirling channels
through the palmiet and long flat stretches tailor made for the
cut-and-thrust of marathon racing.
The Windhoek Berg moved into a new era with the recent completion
of the Berg river dam just above Paarl. This massive new
structure brings with it the possibility of water releases that
will ensure that the race will always be run on good water
levels.
The recent innovations such as the three person relay format, and
opening the race to surfskis and sit-on-top craft have also
ensured that the race remains accessible and keeps pace with
contemporary trends.
The Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon takes place for 14 to 17
July, and will be preceded by a time trials for 70 invited
athletes on Tuesday 13 July. More information can be found at
www.windhoekberg.co.za
ENDS
