Dusi Canoe Marathon gains new title sponsor
In a year when sporting events and sponsorships have struggled during the global lockdown, one of South Africa’s most iconic endurance events has been rebranded as the MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon, for the next two years.
The 2021 edition of the iconic three day canoeing race from Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg to Blue Lagoon in Durban will take place from 18-20 February and entries have opened, with paddlers eager to take advantage of the Early Bird entry incentives.
This year’s Dusi will be the 70th edition of the famous race and with a title sponsor in Truda Foods, a company based in Pietermaritzburg, it was an easy fit for both the event and the brand, as the Dusi sets out to become more focused on its Pietermaritzburg identity.
The race committee and the new sponsors are determined to giving paddlers the best value for their entry and in an important move will not put an increase on the entry fee for the 2021 Dusi.
Founder of Truda Foods, Colin van Heerden is no stranger to paddling with eleven Dusi Canoe Marathon finishes under his belt, and saw this as an opportunity to support an event that is close to the heart of the Pietermaritzburg community.
"Growing up in Pietermaritzburg, the Dusi has always been such a big part of life in town. It's a privilege for us as a locally based company to be part of it. It is hugely exciting and we have a number of plans in place to make sure that we give the race the full support that it needs to make it another unforgettable year.
"We believe that our MyLife brand of wholegrain products compliments the original vision and ethos of the Dusi. We are excited about the opportunity to draw attention to and create greater awareness around affordable nutrition, our rivers, water quality and litter.”
The race remains one of the largest drivers of people from around the country to the provincial capital and given the large downturn in sporting events this year the 2021 event is expecting a surge of entries for the race in the middle of February.
“We are delighted as an event that has played such a big part in the Pietermaritzburg community to have a proudly Pietermaritzburg brand come on board," head of the race organising committee Shane Le Breton said.
"With the current economic climate as it is to secure a title sponsor for the next two years is a massive win for us and the paddlers.
"The 2021 MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon is going to be another exciting edition of the iconic race and we know that a brand like MyLife and Truda Foods will only add huge value to the race.
"We cannot wait to see a flood of entries into race headquarters with the committee committed to giving paddlers the best value for money possible."
Le Breton added that the organising committee was well prepared with a variety of options to ensure the race is run as normal while fully adhering to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations that may be in force at that time.
The 2021 MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from 18-20 February 2021.
