Local paddler achieves PB at the Dusi
He finished 92nd overall and fifth in his age category.
East Rand Kayaking (ERK) paddler Tommy Booth took on the Dusi Canoe Marathon challenge from February 16 to 18 and finished 78th in the K1 category and fifth in his age group.
The Boksburg resident finished the three-day 120km race in a time of 09:32:17, finishing 92nd overall.
“The river was awesome. It was my eighth Dusi. My last race was in 2018 where we had to run most of day three only getting into the water around Mang and I’ve always wanted to paddle in a full Dusi river.
“I got my chance and it was awesome. This was my best Dusi, which surprised me as I hadn’t trained as much as I had with previous events. With a lot of grace and, perhaps, a bit more wisdom it all came together for me.”
The race was won by Andy Birkett who finished in a time of 07:15:42. Musawenkosi Mtolo claimed second position and David Evan rounded off the podium.
The three-day paddling and portaging race started at Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg and finished at the Blue Lagoon in Durban.
It is recognised as the world’s toughest canoe endurance marathon. It has been taking place annually since 1951.
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