The organisers of the Berg River Canoe Marathon have advised that they are taking stock of the national state of disaster declared by the South African government in response to the coronavirus pandemic and how it will affect the race scheduled for 8 to 11 July.
“We are extremely wary of the situation of the coronavirus and the devastating effects it has been having worldwide,” said race organiser Brandon Macleod, noting that the four day ultra-paddling marathon was still over 100 days away
“We are aware of the situation as it stands, and the largely unknown timeline which the world is working off, as to when this virus may see any signs of improvement.”
“We fully support the initiatives of the National Department of Health and the guidelines given to sporting federations and we will fall in line with all of these requirements,” he said.
“We will do everything we can to keep the hope of the 59th edition of the Berg alive, and we are exploring a variety of plans and adjustments recommended to adhere to meet all the health, safety and hygiene needs of all athletes, their families, service providers and spectators.
He said that the event will respect the provisions of local and national government pertaining to the limits for public gatherings, with the best interests of everyone associated with the event
“It is a cautious time to make a call about the future of the 2020 edition just yet, but I ask that the paddlers and interested followers of the event bear with us and understand that all of our decisions will be thoroughly thought out and done in consultation with all our stakeholders and relevant authorities, and done in the best interests of the people,” he added.
