Hank McGregor rewrote the record books by bagging a 12th Berg River Canoe Marathon title on Saturday, while Jenna Nisbet won her first Berg title in the women’s race.
McGregor started the final stage with more than 90 seconds in the bank over the gallant Uli Hart, added the final bridge prize at the Bokkom Bungalows hotspot and then led the fast-paced front bunch into the finish at the Carinus Bridge at the Velddrif lagoon.
“When I was a kid I never imagined winning a Berg, you always dream big,” he said. “To win my first one was something special. I am over the moon to win twelve now. The conditions were really tough today,” he added. “We were into a headwind right from the start and it was freezing cold, and the tide was coming in!”
The women’s title was wrapped up by Jenna Nisbet, who has been the dominant force in the women’s race through the four days, keeping defending champion Nikki Birkett at bay on a final stage in which she battled to find top form.
“It wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be,” said Nisbet, who is using the race as part of her preparations for the world marathon championships in Portugal at the end of September.
“When I started the body didn’t respond as I had hoped, and it took me a while to get going. I just had to stay with Nikki (Birkett) today and she was so strong and pulled most of the way.
“What was going through my mind was that if I did get dropped she could make up time very easily, so that main goal just not to get dropped.
“I certainly couldn’t have done it without Hank,” she added. “He has been absolutely incredible with training and tripping, advice during the race and even lending me his boat!
Nisbet’s 16th place finish is also a new mark for the best overall result for a female paddler.
Photo: John Hishin/Gameplan Media