Andy Birkett wraps up record 16th title

Andy Birkett became the first person in the 75-year history of the Dusi Canoe Marathon to win the men’s race 16 times.

Paddling with Matt Fenn, the duo repeated their feat of 2024 (also a doubles year), crossing the finish line at Blue Lagoon in Durban ahead of Sbonelo Khwela and Msawenkosi Mtolo.

Birkett is now the most decorated paddler in the history of the race, surpassing the late Dusi King Graeme Pope-Ellis to notch up his 16th win in 17 years – a dominance and longevity not seen in many sporting codes.

Intense battle

In the women’s race, Christie Mackenzie and Saskia Hockly claimed victory after an intense battle with Abby Solms and Robyn Groenink who were neck and neck on the final day.

Mackenzie, who holds four K1 titles, was chasing an elusive K2 crown and managed to do that with her best friend Hockly.

Hockly, paddling her first Dusi since 2021, celebrated her 22nd birthday during the week of the race and put celebrations on hold as the job was not done yet.

In the lead-up to the race, the pair won a few pre-Dusi races, including the 50 Miler and the Inanda Dam to Durban races, which cover most of the final two days of the Dusi route.

Never under threat

Andy Birkett and Matt Fenn broke clear at Isuzu Rock, claiming the second stage by more than six minutes. The Euro Steel duo’s advantage was never seriously under threat on the final day.

“It’s always a great event to take part in. I love the Dusi and that’s why I keep coming back, because I enjoy it. It was really great racing with Matt,” Birkett said.

“He’s a really strong athlete, strong runner, strong paddler and a great guy. We get along well and can share some laughs along the way – and that’s why you do it.

“We knew it was going to be a tough race. Sbonelo and Msawe kept us honest over the first two days. As soon as we had a gap they would come past us and we would go past them – cat and mouse for quite a way – which made it really exciting. But we’re happy we managed to keep it together for three days.”