The
Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon is set to commemorate a 50th anniversary in style.
Cape Town is attracting substantial interest from the local and international canoeing community, as the 50th edition of the
Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon sets out to commemorate its legends of years gone by, and to stage the historic commemoration of the race from 13 to 16 July in style.
“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 mobilizing 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 will honour the 23 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 surf Skis) 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 Windhoek’s, 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.
More information can be found at
www.windhoekberg.co.za The Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon also forms the final leg of the Two Oceans Peninsula Iron Man competition (Cape Argus Pick and Pay Cycle Race, Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and the Berg River Canoe Marathon).
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