AMONG the milestones set at this year’s Dusi Canoe Marathon is one that will stand out for some time to come.
Umgeni Park resident Tony ‘Ant’ Evered-Hall, at 80 years, nine months and 11 days, became the oldest-ever finisher at the race, beating Hugh Raw who was 80 years and four months when he completed the race in 2021.
Tony, who has completed 16 Dusis, took on this year’s paddle with his son, Mark, who now has 31 Dusi Canoe Marathons to his name.
It was also the 10th time the experienced father-and-son crew from the Crusaders Canoeing Club have paddled along the Msunduzi River and uMngeni River together.
For Tony, crossing the finish line was a surreal moment.
“I could spot the supporters from about a kilometre away from the finish. Paddling towards the finish line was just emotional, and it was sort of unbelievable to accept I’ve made history. It took a bit of time for reality to set in. I don’t think I would have been able to do this without Mark, my wife, Helen, and my family. They were amazing. Each day paddling, knowing I had their support, was special. I was positive throughout the race, and I had confidence in Mark who steered us through the rapids. What was touching was seeing all the messages of support and love shown by everyone. This will certainly be one of the most memorable Dusi Canoe Marathons for me,” he said.
It was a similar experience for Mark who said it was hard to find the words at the finish line.
“We were just overcome with emotions. We spent a long time in preparation and training on this stretch of river, and every time, we visualised crossing that finish line, but nothing could’ve prepared me for that moment. The reception we got at the finish was amazing. I’m so blessed to have so many special memories on the river, and now, creating another one with my dad was even more special. Doing our 10th together is something I’ll never forget,” he said.
The duo also thanked paddlers, Mark Corinaldi and Stephen Binedell, for their help in saving their boat on Day 2 of the race.
“There was a nerve-racking moment when we took a swim at the confluence of the Msunduzi and uMngeni rivers, and our canoe wrapped around a granite rock. Mark and Stephen jumped out of their boats and, with the help of two local guys in the valley, helped save our canoe. It actually just popped back into place, and all we had to do was patch up the seam which split.
“I also have to pay special tribute to Stephen. We both paddled our first Dusi in 1986, and we completed our 31st together. I say together because he was in a K1, but he never left our side for the three days of the race. So he shared in that emotion at the end as we were some of the final competitors to cross the finish line. Our time on the day didn’t matter; it was about just finishing and appreciating the moment,” he said.
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