This year's Dusi Canoe Marathon marked a milestone for veteran paddler Nigel Briggs , who became just the third paddler in the race's 74-year history to reach 50 Dusi finishes when he crossed the finish line at Blue Lagoon on Saturday.
Lyle Wheeler and Gudgie Dixon are the other two to reach that milestone in the epic race through the Msunduzi and uMngeni valleys that started at Bishopstowe Country Club in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday morning.
The opening day was extra special for Briggs. He turned 71 on that day.
'I had to cancel my celebrations. I've got to hold my birthday this coming week. I was a bit busy,' the Kloof resident said, chuckling.
After he managed to avoid taking any birthday 'swims', the second and third day proved more eventful.