Andy Birkett seals record-extending 16th Dusi crown while Christie Mackenzie bags first K2 win

Veteran Andy Birkett (right ) and teammate Matt Fenn take it easy at the finish line after securing back-to-back Dusi K2 titles at Blue Lagoon in Durban on Saturday morning. Andy Birkett and Matt Fenncruised to back-to-back Dusi Canoe Marathon K2 titles on Saturday morning at Blue Lagoon – and record-extending 16th overall win for undisputed Dusi king Birkett – butChristie Mackenzie had to work hard for her first women’s doubles title alongside Saskia Hockly. Sbonelo Khwela and Msawenkosi Mtologave the defending men’s champions a stern test over the first two days of the iconic 120km river race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, with the lead frequently changing hands.

Birkett and Fenn eventually broke clear at Isuzu Rock, claiming the second stage by more than six minutes. The Euro Steel duo’s advantage was never seriously under threat on the final day. Christie Mackenzie and Saskia Hockly won the 2026 Dusi Canoe Marathon women’s title after seeing off the challege of Abby Solms and Robyn Groenink.

“It’s always a great event to take part in. I love the Dusi and that’s why I keep coming back, because I enjoy it. It was really great racing with Matt,” Birkett said at the finish.

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“He’s a really strong athlete, strong runner, strong paddler and a great guy. We get along well and can share some laughs along the way – and that’s why you do it. “We knew it was going to be a tough race.

Sbonelo and Msawe kept us honest over the first two days. As soon as we had a gap they would come past us and we would go past them – cat and mouse for quite a way – which made it really exciting. But we’re happy we managed to keep it together for three days.” “I get goosebumps thinking about it.

He’s done something no one has ever done and it’s so special to be part of that,” Fenn said of Birkett’s achievement. Msawenkosi Mtolo (front) and Sbonelo Khwela ensured that the eventual winners didn’t have things their own way way on the first two days, before evntually settling fro silver.

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