Entries for the 61st edition of the iconic Berg River Canoe Marathon are now open, and the organisers revealed a new race option specifically designed to be more accessible to beginners and less fit paddlers.
The new race, called Berg 120, will coincide with the main race. Paddlers will have a chance to complete the second half of each stage of the race each day. “It is a stepping stone or pleasant alternative to the Berg River Canoe Marathon,” said race director Brandon Macleod.
The 240 km Berg River Canoe Marathon is known the world over as one of the toughest ultra distance paddling events, thanks to the variable river level and the unpredictable Cape winter weather capable of combining to make the main race notoriously tough.
“For many paddlers the Berg seems like a ‘bridge too far’,” says Macleod, “so we see the Berg 120 as a way to give these paddlers a chance to enjoy the river and be part of the unique vibe at the Berg River Canoe Marathon, confident this will build the confidence and enthusiasm to take part in the full race next year.”
The four-day-long marathon annually launches in Paarl with the finish line in Velddrif on the bank of the Berg River.
“To any paddlers that are wary of the distance or length of the main Berg, look no further than the Berg 120,” Macleod said.
The race welcomes entries from paddlers in K2s or double canoes.
The Berg 120 route:
Day 1: Skooltjie to Delsma (± 30 km)
Day 2: Gouda to Bridgetown (± 30 km)
Day 3: Soetdraai to Zoutkloof (± 36 km)
Day 4: Kersefontein to Velddrif (± 38 km)
