Paddlers have the chance to earn two medals for finishing the 2027 Dusi Canoe Marathon and paddle the iconic race in honour of the backbone of KZN canoeing for the past few decades. The 2026/2027 season will see the fourth iteration of the John Oliver Dusi Series, which incorporates key pre-Dusi events as well as the iconic three-day race to Durban.

The second annual series will consist of the Ozzie Gladwin, 50 Miler, Inanda Dam to Durban, Campbell’s to Dusi Bridge and conclude with the three-day Dusi Canoe Marathon. To qualify for a John Oliver Dusi Series medal, paddlers simply need to finish all five events.

John Oliver was one of KwaZulu-Natal Canoe Union’s and Canoeing South Africa’s most loyal servants, well-known timekeeper and long-time race official. The medal that will be presented to all finishers depicts the famous bearded face of John.

2026/27 Event Dates