Message from the Chairman - Marathon Organizing Committee Message from the Chairman - Canoe Union Welcome to all who will be doing this year’s Berg. Congratulations to all the It will be the privilege of the Western newcomers who have decided to take Cape Canoe Union to hold the 55th Berg on the toughest challenge that canoeing River Marathon. This will personally be can offer. It will be hard but you will enjoy my 8th Berg. I started paddling when the wonderful camaraderie amongst the I was 50 and remember well the great paddlers. sense of accomplishment that came with A special word of welcome to all the completing my first Berg and indeed every paddlers who will try to reach a personal Berg since. goal in terms of number of ‘Bergs’ Like many of the “fish and chips” paddlers completed. A great example is Jannie I will never win the Berg or even my age Malherbe, 3 times winner of the Berg, group, but this will not diminish the Berg who raced the very first marathon in 1962 experience for me or for many of the and who will be paddling his 44th Berg others who are in similar circumstances. this year. We paddle it for the challenge, the love of We were fortunate to have some quality nature and life, the camaraderie and the international paddlers competing in last campfire stories we generate. As I always year’s marathon. Some of them will be say, “all the action happens at the back”! Bianca Beavitt ladies’ winner back, joined by a few newcomers whose However this year’s Berg will have names will be released shortly. We thank something for everyone. We are hoping to the Drakenstein, Swartland, Bergrivier and welcome back ten times winner Hank Winner: Hank McGregor Winelands municipalities as well as the McGregor and Andy Birkett as well as a Second: Andy Birkett Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport select field of international paddlers Third: Kiko Vega who are funding the drive to make the sponsored by Drakenstein, Swartland and Berg an international attraction. Similarly Bergrivier Municipalities. We are looking they are also making our Development forward to local ace Bianca Beavitt and Community Outreach Programs defending her woman’s title. It will be possible, which are going from strength with interest we watch some of the rising to strength. stars of paddling pit themselves, their The event will of course not be possible endurance and skill against the daunting without the continuous support of our challenges of this 240km, four-day race. numerous product sponsors and Eigevis So please enjoy this race. High water, low who sponsors our prize-giving function. water, rain or sunshine the race will go on. A special word of welcome also to The challenge will be there for all!! our vehicle sponsor Rola Motors from Somerset West. Eric Farringer We thank all our visitors for supporting the race and wish you a pleasant stay in the Boland.

André Collins COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IMPORTANT INFORMATION

As in the previous year the organizers See website www.berg.org.za for more details will go out of their way to involve com- munities along the marathon route and 1. Pre-race registration is compulsory and 9. No dogs are allowed. You could face a fine introduce them to the sport of canoeing. takes place at the new Paarl Canoe Clubhouse of R500.

Children from surrounding schools will next to Market Street Bridge (directly opposite 10. Hot showers will be available at all be transported to Market Street Bridge, the old Rugby Clubhouse venue) from 14:00 to Wellington’s Lady Loch Bridge, Hermon 18:00 on Tuesday, 12 July 2016. overnight stops and at the finish. See maps Bridge, Zonquasdrift, Gouda Bridge, for locations. 2. The Prologue (Time Trial) for invited paddlers Bridgetown, Old Bridge, starts at 13:00 on Tuesday, 12 July 2016. 11. Transport is available for canoeists’s an