Friday, 29 April 2011 15:04
Berg river canoe marathon experience to be taken to a whole new level
The 50th edition of the Windhoek Berg river canoe marathon is attracting substantial interest from the local and international canoeing community, as the race sets out to commemorate its legends of years gone by and to stage the historic commemoration of the race in style from 13 to 16 July.
“This is a major milestone for South African sport and we want to make sure that we do it justice,” said Windhoek Marketing manager Mark von Bentheim. “The entire experience for the athletes, their seconds, the spectators and the sporting public at large will be taken to a whole new level.”
“This is an iconic event, and the one race that every serious paddler wants to add to their CV,” he added. “It is a test of stamina and endurance without comparison anywhere in the world, and we hope the fiftieth celebrations will attract a big crowd of participants and spectators to the Berg river that week.”
Enquiries from paddlers around the globe have been received at the Western Cape Canoe Union offices while canoe clubs across the country are mobilising their members for what promises to be a massive field for the 243km race from Paarl to Port Owen.
With the team competition receiving a boost in prize money this year, the organisers are anticipating a bigger entry in the team competition which has added innovative spice to the four day race in recent years.
Event improvements will also include registration in Cape Town and at the club time trials, improved facilities at overnight stops, a professional MC commentating at the race and numerous daily operational improvements.
The race plans to honour the twenty three men and nine women who have won the notoriously tough race in the past, commemorating their achievements in the build-up to the race
The last day of the 2011 Windhoek Berg will see the introduction of a new event, an open K1 (including surfskis) race before the winners arrive, as well as an improved finish at a new site in Port Owen, where prize giving and the “Banks of the Berg” celebration will be held.
The Windhoek Berg Bash, to be set in a relaxed “Bush Bar” atmosphere, will entertain the paddlers and their families, with cold Windhoeks, food and music.
With the canoeing community already abuzz with anticipation the 2011 Windhoek Berg is poised to be a fitting tribute to fifty years of the world’s toughest canoeing race.
The Windhoek Berg River canoe marathon takes place from 13 to 16 July 2011, preceded by a time trial on 12 July.
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