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.”

“It really is the ultimate challenge,” said six times Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon champion Hank McGregor. “Every top paddler wants to win this race, and it is a serious test of stamina and endurance.” (Jon Vellacot/Gameplan media)

“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

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