andy birkett

In one of the most exciting men's races at the Berg River Canoe Marathon in years, event novice Andy Birkett managed to hold off Western Cape ace Graeme Solomon to claim his maiden Berg title, while Abby Adie stormed to a convincing win in the ladies' race.

Just two weeks after winning the 2014 Dusi Canoe Marathon with paddling partner Andy Birkett, Sbonelo Zondi will chase what would be a remarkable victory over the same route - this time in a K1 kayak, and over one day - in the Non-Stop Dusi.

Sbonelo Zondi and Andy Birkett receive their gold medals from the MEC for art, culture, sport and recreation, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, at the finish of...

Sbonelo Zondi and Andy Birkett receive their gold medals from the MEC for art, culture, sport and recreation, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, at the finish of...

It was another wild ride down The Dusi this year, with winners Andy Birkett and Sbonelo Zondi delighted with their performance. It was Birkett's 10th marathon, earning him his green number. The rapids, the heat, the uphill portages and the unpredictable water levels combine to make the Dusi Canoe Marathon one of the toughest endurance races in the country.

Andy Birkett snatched a sensational maiden title at the N3TC Drak Challenge Canoe Marathon on Sunday after exploiting a mistake by three-time champion Hank McGregor in the closing stages of the race, while Abby Adie won the women's title for a fourth time.