NON STOP DUSI 2015
FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2015
A number of Gautengers with strong adventure racing and endurance skills completed the challenge of the Non Stop Dusi. Only 73 boats in total completed the gruelling marathon race of 120kms from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in a single day from Sunrise to Sunset, including only 21 K1’s. The Non Stop Dusi is the same as the normal 3 days Dusi, except it has to be done in a single day so extreme fitness and endurance ability is essential, as well as good river knowledge
By entering the race, paddlers are obviously looking to challenge themselves, in the World’s Toughest One Day Canoe marathon.
While Thulani Mbanjwa partnered with Nhlanhllayakhe Cele won the race, in a time of 7:44, with Sbonelo Khwela finishing 2nd as the first K1 in 7:48, the first Gauteng finisher was also a Cele, local Germiston based Richard (VLC) who partnered up with Mfaniseni Nyawose, from Natal to finish as the 3rd K2, in 8:45, with his top 20 achievement at the Dusi added to his resume, Richard has proved himself to be the current top Gauteng river paddler!
Well done to Jarryd Breeds and Tommy Booth (ERK) who were the first finishers from the other side of the Vaal river, in 21st position overall, as 13th K2 in a time of 10 hours 17 minutes
Riichard Tandy also ERK partnered up with James Tutton previously Gautenger now soaking his toes in the sandy beaches of Natal, to finish as the 2nd Subveteran, 17th K2 and a time of 10 hours 33 minutes.
Gavin Morrow (Dabs) and family relative Ian Morrow from Natal finished as K2 28 in 11:24, and a Dabs partnership of Kelvin Byres and Ryan Rodda were 21st K2 in 11 hours 3 minutes. Raymond Rorich (CEN) partnered with Michael Kirkby (JCC) to finish as K2 30, while also from the north side of JHB, Gerrie Moolman, with Jaco van der Westhuizen (PRE) were 2nd Sub Masters, and K2 33.
Dabs’ Mark Garden and Derek Hompes finished 60th overall, as 46th Double in 11:58, and Pretoria’s Christoph Booysen was the only Gauteng K1 finisher, in 12:12, as 16th K1.
Finally Jonathan Hoch (Dabs) with Natal partner Shaun Frankish also completed the monster challenge, finishing as 52nd K2 in 12:39.
Personally, my admiration for anybody who can finish a Dusi or a Comrades is heightened magnamously by respect for those who even take on the Non Stop Dusi – well done guys…..keep the flag flying.
Jennie Dallas
for GCU PR
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