At just 22 years old, Stellenbosch University’s fourth‑year electrical engineering student Joshua Glyn‑Cuthbert has emerged as one of South Africa’s most exciting young canoeists — and a serious contender for this year’s Berg River Marathon title. Joshua swept all four pre‑Berg races, setting his sights firmly on the top step of the podium. A victory would end a 16‑year drought for Matie paddlers, last broken by Robyn Kyme in 2010.
His journey, however, has been anything but smooth. “I sustained a shoulder injury at the Dusi in 2025 when I fell out in the Little John Rapid and dislocated it. A few months later I dislocated it again at the Breede River Marathon, which led to surgery in October last year,” Joshua explains. “About eight weeks after the operation I began working with biokineticist Armand de Wet, whose training has not only guided my rehabilitation but also elevated my paddling performance.”
Joshua, who attended Maritzburg College and only took up paddling in 2020, had his first taste of the Berg last year. Illness on Day Three hampered his performance, but he fought back to finish 26th overall — a result that now looks like a stepping stone to far greater things.
The 64th Berg River Marathon begins on 15 July in Paarl and covers 240 km over four days, ending at Velddrif on the West Coast. Known as one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, it will test every ounce of Joshua’s resilience. Standing in his way is Hank McGregor, the undisputed King of the Berg with 14 titles to his name. The clash promises to be a compelling duel: the wisdom and experience of a legend against the hunger and exuberance of youth.
Text & Image: Supplied
