By Annisa Essack

19:03:2021

Aadila Kajee, a former Wykeham Collegiate pupil, could become the first Indian woman to complete the Dusi Canoe Marathon this weekend. The trailblazer is not only committed to completing the route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban by foot, bike and canoe, she is also set to become the first Indian and Muslim female to participate in the Dusi Canoe Marathon.

The 19-year-old, who never paddled prior to November 2020, was inspired after hearing runners in her running group discuss the level of difficulty between the Comrades Marathon and the Dusi Canoe Marathon. Kajee’s greatest cheerleader is her father, Ebrahim Kajee, who is also her running partner.

For the three-day epic race, which began on 18 March 2021, the Pietermaritzburg resident will be teaming up with two-time Dusi Canoe Marathon champion Abby Solms.  The duo will have to navigate their way from Camp’s Drift in Pietermaritzburg to Blue Lagoon in Durban, a gruelling 120 km of river and portages.

The Montrose resident encouraged others to be involved in sport. “It is a humbling experience and the best thing that one can ever do. The reason for me doing this was to be able to attempt a major sporting event. I also heard about how completing the Dusi has taught individuals many life lessons. I wanted to be able to say that I did it,” said Kajee.