Hank McGregor builds massive solo lead in Berg River Canoe Marathon opener in Paarl after leaving rivals behind

The 2025 edition of the Berg River Canoe Marathon kicked off with drama, dominance, and a touch of surprise—especially from one of South Africa’s most enduring paddling legends.

A Commanding Start for McGregor

Veteran canoeist Hank McGregor proved he’s still the man to beat after absolutely flying through the 62km opening stage from Paarl to Zonquasdrift on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old, already a multiple world champion, ended Day 1 with a massive lead—almost six minutes ahead of the next competitor.

McGregor, who’s chasing what would be an astonishing 14th Berg title, wasn’t expecting to build such a gap.

“Honestly, I’d have been happy with a sprint finish win,” he said after finishing.

“So I’m really stoked with how it turned out today.”

He praised the “forgiving” conditions and explained how the race unfolded: “There was a breakaway group of four just after Skooltjie—me, Tom Lovemore, Sam Butcher, and Siseko Ntondini.

I decided to put the pressure on and eventually it was just me and Siseko.

We worked well together until he dropped off near Hermon Bridge, and then I went solo to the end.”

With Thursday’s stage shortened due to low water levels and dangerous tree blocks, McGregor knows there’s still a long way to go.

“It’s early days. Plenty can still happen,” he added.

Battle Brewing in the Women’s Division

While McGregor was pulling away in the men’s race, the women’s competition was shaping up to be a much tighter affair.

Nix Birkett edged out Jenna Nisbet in a close sprint finish, but the two were neck and neck for most of the day.

“It felt a lot more relaxed than it probably looked,” Birkett said.

“Jen and I paddled together all day.

We had three men in our group, and we all took turns leading.

I only had a bit of drama when I took a wrong turn and lost about 30 seconds, but I managed to catch up.”

Birkett, the 2021 winner, isn’t counting her chickens yet.

“On this river, anything can change fast.

So I’m not claiming anything just yet.”

Trailing closely behind is last year’s runner-up, Neriyah Dill, with 2024 champion Stephanie von der Heyde in fourth, and three-time winner Bianca Beavitt rounding out the top five.

Experience Still Counts in the Men’s Field

Another standout moment came in the men’s pack, where 53-year-old Robbie Herreveld—himself a six-time Berg winner—came in second, just ahead of U23 up-and-comer Sam Butcher and Siseko Ntondini.

Between McGregor and Herreveld, the top two podium spots had a combined age of 100.

Not bad for a sport that tests both strength and endurance over long distances.

Adjusted Route for Day 2

Due to safety concerns, the race organizers have decided to bypass the usual Zonquasdrift to Gouda stretch on Day 2.

Instead, paddlers will start from Gouda and make their way to Bridgetown.

The shorter route could mean a faster pace—and possibly some shakeups in the rankings.

Day 1 Standings

Men’s Top 10

1. Hank McGregor – 4:14:44

2. Robert Herreveld – 4:20:25

3. Sam Butcher – 4:20:26

4. Siseko Ntondini – 4:20:27

5. Anders Hart – 4:22:13

6. Thomas Lovemore – 4:25:08

7. Paul Marais – 4:25:09

8. Heinrich Schloms – 4:27:48

9. Joshua Glyn-Cuthbert – 4:27:48

10. Matthew Coetzer – 4:29:42

Women’s Top 6

1. Nix Birkett – 4:39:54

2. Jenna Nisbet – 4:40:02

3. Neriyah Dill – 4:46:15

4. Stephanie von der Heyde – 4:49:31

5. Bianca Beavitt – 5:01:36

6. Rachel van Deventer – 5:06:55

Is Hank McGregor South Africa’s Most Underrated Sporting Legend?

Fourteen titles in one of the world’s toughest river marathons?

A career spanning decades and still dominating younger paddlers? Hank McGregor’s name doesn’t always come up in mainstream sporting conversations—but maybe it should.