THE DUSI: Is this the hardest race in canoeing?

The Dusi Canoe Marathon is a marathon canoe race[1] held over three days between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, South Africa. It is run along the Msunduzi and Mgeni Rivers over a total distance of 120 kilometres (75 mi). The race attracts between 1600 and 2000 paddlers each year, making it the biggest canoeing event on the African continent.[2] It is organised by the Natal Canoe Club. The clubhouse is located on the banks of the Msunduzi River, at the exact start point of the race.

The Dusi Canoe Marathon is held over a period of three days, with each day having a defined beginning and end. The average finishing time for top teams is under nine hours.

The race begins at the Natal Canoe Club at Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg. The first stage is 42 kilometres (26 mi) and includes 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) of portaging. The 46 kilometres (29 mi) second stage to Inanda Dam iincludes the confluence of the Mgeni and Msundusi Rivers and a 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) flatwater paddle across the dam. The third stage to Blue Lagoon in Durban is the shortest, 36 kilometres (22 mi), however it still contains a 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) flatwater paddle across the lagoon. The finish of the race is at the Kingfisher Canoe Club.[2]

Competitors may enter the K1, K2, White Water, Touring or Touring Canadian (open canoes paddled by one or two paddlers using single blade paddles) Classes. Touring class kayaks may have rudders and this class includes all K3s, K4 s and plastic kayaks. SUPs form part of the Touring Class.


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