The Dusi Committee formally announced on Tuesday that the 2025 Dusi Canoe Marathon will start at the Bishopstowe Country Club on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg, putting an end to speculation and debate in the canoeing fraternity.

The organisers were hopeful that improved water quality in the city would allow them to move the start of the Dusi to Campsdrift for the 74th edition of the annual event from 20-22 February.

Extensive behind the scenes work, feedback from the paddlers and input from a team of scientists has resulted in reverting back to the start venue that has been used for the past two editions of the race.

“The health and well-being of the Dusi paddlers is critical in our decision-making process,” said Dusi Chairman, Doug Gow, “As custodians of this iconic race we have taken note of the concerns of the paddling community and made the decision well before the race date to assist paddlers with their planning.”

“The result of not knowing where the start is, is having an impact on the entries of the lead up races to the Dusi,” said KNCU Chairman Duncan May, highlighting the importance of the Dusi Canoe Marathon on canoeing in KwaZulu-Natal.

Gow added that, “As a major player in the development and growth of canoeing we believe that this decision is not only in the best interest of the paddlers and their safety but a decision in the best interest of canoe sport in South Africa.”

“Moving and adapting to changing circumstances is key to the survival and success of events,” said Gow.

“The Dusi is no different however, we will continue to look at moving the Dusi back to its traditional start in future years should this prove to be possible.”

The 74th edition of the iconic South African canoeing event through the Msunduzi and uMngeni valleys from Bishopstowe to Blue Lagoon, Durban takes place from Thursday, 20 February to Saturday, 22 February 2025.

Race sponsors aQuellé are offering all paddlers who enter on or before 15 January 2025 a chance to win a year’s supply of their favourite aQuellé.