Hi ,

We passed the 100 days to go mark for the Berg River Canoe Marathon this week which means all you intrepid paddlers have just over three months left to prepare for your four-day journey from Paarl to Velddrif on July 2-5.

Western Cape canoeists were happy to see some early autumn rains last week. While the soaking showers have nudged up some dam levels, it is still way too early to make any predictions for the Berg – but the early rain does gives all river paddlers hope that the 63rd annual Berg River Canoe Marathon will be held on a flowing river.

Early entries for the 2025 event are looking positive and the organising committee is working hard to ensure July's event is one of the best ever with quiet optimism that this year's race is going to see the biggest field in over a decade.

Among the early entries confirmed for #TheUltimateCanoeRace are a few interesting names, not least of all three-time winner Jannie Malherbe. He will be aiming for his 52nd race finish to make him the sole record holder for most finishes of the famous event. Currently "Oom Jannie" holds that honour together with the legendary Giel van Deventer.

Other notable entries include three more members of the 40+ club: Ralph Teulings, Gerhard Beukes and René Boehm have all finished more than 40 Bergs, while Ralph will be aiming for an incredible 42nd consecutive finish.

14-time finisher, Lisa Scott will be aiming to cement her grip on the title as the female with the most finishes as she leads an increased entry of women into the 2025 event.

At the other end of the scale, there is also an increase in novices and U23s this year which bodes well for the future of the famous event.

Currently the early-bird entry fees are still in force with some healthy discounts in place – 24% for seniors; a massive 42% for juniors and U23s; and 25% for development seniors. Normal entry fees are set to coming into force on May 1 while the deadline for free race T-Shirts is June 13.

To help with your preparation, a series of four pre-Berg events, starting with the Paarl to Skooltjie race on May 17, will give potential paddlers an opportunity to get a preview of most of the route. These races are a great opportunity to test your fitness and preparedness to tackle The Berg.

The other pre-Berg events are Wellington to Hermon (May 31); Hermon to Gouda (also WP K1 Championship – June 7); and Gouda to Bridgetown (June 21).

Together with the Berg River Marathon (July 2-5) and the recent West Coast Canoe Challenge, these races all form part of the Berg River K1 Series which will be offering a new kevlar Salt K1 as a lucky draw.

Anyone who completes four days of racing will go into the draw. With nine racing days in the series – five one-day races and the four-day Berg River Marathon – paddlers are able to earn two entries into the draw to win a kevlar version of the same boat which was paddled to victory by Tom Lovemore in 2024.

For more info on the series CLICK HERE

The 2025 Berg River Marathon will take place on July 2-5.

Entries are via the Canoeing SA entry portal HERE

For more info please visit the RACE WEBSITE

#TheUltimateCanoeRace

#BergRiverMarathon2025

The following are the 2025 entry fees:
(Early Bird discounts end April 30)

Seniors: R3 300
(Early Bird fees: R2 500)

Junior, U23 & Student: R2 100;
(Early Bird fees: R1 300)

Development Senior R2 000;
(Early Bird fees: R1 500)

Development Junior R1 200;
(Early Bird fees: R1 000)

NB: No shirt guaranteed for entries after June 13
R200 late-entry surcharge after June 13

Thank you

The 2025 Berg Committee