South African canoeing history has been made today with the first ever all black crew winning a canoe marathon.

Eric Zondi and Thomas Ngidi won the event in a time of 8h16:31, with Craig Turton and Kalvin Trautman coming second in a time of 8h25:47. In third place were Kwanda Mhlophe and Richard Cele in a time of 8h37:41.

Winning the K1 (singles) section was Loveday Zondi in a time of 8h57:46

It is all systems go for The Unlimited Dusi Mfula MTB Experience. Entries are filling very fast and there is an excitement in the air!

The event is on 5 and 6 June from PMB to Durban along the Dusi route.

Stihl Non STOP Dusi - Media Release
Date                : Thursday, 29 January 2009
Subject            : Stihl Non Stop Dusi
Website            : http://www.nonstopdusi.co.za

Most of the paddlers in last weekends Hansa Powerade Dusi are having a well deserved rest, but for some others the Stihl Non Stop Dusi is just a week away. The event takes place on Friday, February 6 from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

The 14th edition of the popular race starts at sunrise at Camps Drift and ends at sunset at Blue Lagoon in Durban. The competitors are expected at Blue Lagoon any time from 12.30 depending on water levels,  with the tail end arriving at sunset.

The 120km Stihl Non Stop Dusi is literally the traditional Hansa Powerade Dusi in one day.

The race is being open to K1 (singles) boats as well as K2 (doubles).

“We are up to speed as far as the organisation goes” said Nigel Tatham, chairman of the organisers.

“Although a water release has been confirmed from Henley Dam, Umgeni Water have not, as yet, confirmed a release from Inanda Dam yet. We are hopeful that there will be a release as a lot of rain has fallen and must be raising the levels of the dams on the river system. We will issue updates on the official race website www.stihlnonstopdusi.co.za  daily as to what the status is” he said.

The sponsors of the race, Stihl announced exciting prize money for the race – making it one of the biggest paydays in paddling – the first K1 paddler will earn R10 000.00 and the K2 boat R20 000.00. Should a K1 win the race they will earn a R10 000.00 bonus.

The rules of the race are that there are no rules, apart from paddlers having to beat the cut-off time at two checkpoints en-route. The paddlers have to depend on their support teams and work out the fastest way to Durban.

Entry forms are available from Mary on (033) 394-9994.

Ends

Released by   : Ray de Vries on behalf of Nigel Tatham, Chairman of the organisers, Natal Canoe Club             
For further information kindly contact Ray de Vries
Cell:                0828844881
E-mail:            This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:         www.raydevries.co.za