As the entries opened for the 61st edition of the iconic Berg River Canoer Marathon, the organisers revealed a new race option designed to make the unique river more accessible to less fit paddlers.
Called the Berg 120, the race will coincide with the main race and will offer paddlers a chance to enjoy 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 240km Berg River Canoe Marathon is respected worldwide as one of the toughest ultra distance paddling events, with 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’, 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 that this will build the confidence and enthusiasm to take part in the full race next year,” he said.
“To any paddlers that are wary of the distance or length of the main Berg, look no further than the Berg 120,” he said.
The race welcomes entries from paddlers in K2s or double canoes.
The Berg 120 route:
Day 1 – Skooltjie to Delsma (+/- 30km)
Day 2 – Gouda to Bridgetown (+/- 30km)
Day 3 – Soetdraai to Zoutkloof (+/- 36km)
Day 4 – Kersefontein to Velddrif (+/- 38km)