Defending champion Hank McGregor, former winner Tom Lovemore and a new generation of paddlers are ready to tackle South Africa’s iconic four-day marathon.
Paarl, South Africa (15 July 2026) – Can anyone stop Hank McGregor? The Berg River Marathon is about to find out.
The countdown is over. South Africa’s iconic Berg River Canoe Marathon gets underway this week, with another thrilling battle expected on the water as some of the country’s best paddlers tackle the gruelling four-day challenge from Paarl to Velddrif.
While the race is known for throwing up surprises, one matchup already has canoe fans talking: defending champion Hank McGregor against 2024 winner Tom Lovemore.
Six-time Berg River Marathon champion Robbie Herreveld believes the pair will once again be the paddlers to watch.
“Both are phenomenal athletes,” said Herreveld.
McGregor heads into the race chasing an incredible 15th Berg River Marathon title. At 48, the veteran continues to prove that experience still counts, producing another dominant display to lift the trophy last year.
Lovemore, meanwhile, has already shown he knows how to win the event. The 28-year-old claimed victory in 2024 and has finished on the podium in three of his four Berg appearances, making him one of the strongest challengers to McGregor’s reign.
Another name generating excitement is 22-year-old Joshua Glyn-Cuthbert. The Maties student arrives in confident mood after winning all four Berg Series races during the build-up, although the marathon’s demanding four-day format will provide a very different test.
Several other paddlers, including Msawenkosi Mtolo, Anders Hart, Heinrich Schloms, Paul Marais and Divieano Pietersen, are also expected to challenge for podium places.
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Former champion Christy Shrimpton, Natasha Bradford, Ansune Basson and Joanne Conradie are among those hoping to challenge for the podium.
The action gets underway today with competitors facing a demanding 240km journey over four days before reaching the finish line in Velddrif.
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