Day Four of the Berg River Canoe Marathon

Going down to Zoutkloof in the early morning is sad in a way, as this is the final day. The slower paddlers are getting on the water for their earlier start and the rest of the paddlers cheer them off in the spirit of camaraderie. Later, the rising sun glistens on the surface of the water as the final gun sents the rest on their way.

Top10 at Pumphouse

The first place we are able to see the progression of the race is at Kersiefontien bridge. The top paddlers fly past, with the first of the flock winning the day’s first bridge prize. As the second half of the top ten come by, seconds shout time lapses down to their paddlers in order to give them some indication of how far ahead their competition is.

Further down river, at the old pump house, we stand watching the sun shining on the water as it silhouettes the paddlers rounding the bend. Over these few spots, we see the top paddlers catching and passing the backmarkers,their pace increasing as they begin the charge to the final bridge.

Having seen the paddlers at 3 places we head around Velddrift to Kliphoek farm or (Oordraplek ) where the paddlers have to do a 200m portage.  The wind here howls and the cold gets right into your bones.  Moving on to the beach for a better photo op, one of the seconds, starts sinking into the quicksand on the beach. She scrambles to the bank, leaving an abandoned boot sticking out of the water behind her. This is where we stand (one of us in only a bootless sock) as the race leader now has to make his move. Hank does so in style, getting out in third but taking a different portage line and ending the run in first position.

        

Oordra Plek (Portage)

 

Velddrift beckons us, with its festive music, eats and drinks. We make our way back to the town for twirled potatoes, beer and the final end sprint.  We are not disappointed. Hank McGregor takes his 9th victory in a row in a total of 15:53.47, and Jen Theron finishes in 17:38.31 taking the ladies title.
 

Hank congratulates Jen on her Win (1st Men and 1st Lady)

All that remains is the prize giving, which honors each and every paddler, who has completed this epic race.



Top 3 Men and Ladies at the Prizegiving in Velddrift