Eleven-time Molokai Champion Oscar Chalupsky decided late last week to enter the Old Mutual Bank Port Elizabeth to East London surf ski race, a four-day 244km marathon considered to be the world's toughest ocean marathon. Fresh from an impressive two-day World Cup win in Perth and strong second place finish a week later in Dubai, the 43-year-old Chalupsky will be competing in his 10^th PE2EL, which is held every second year.

Chalupsky first did the race when he was 16 years old, finishing second in a double ski with his farther Paul. He won his first singles title two years later when he was 18 years old. Twenty-seven years later, he's aiming to notch his ninth win. 

The race this year will feature 112 paddlers in what many preliminary weather forecasts will be very tough conditions. Pushing the evergreen paddler from Durban will be Cape Town stalwarts Peter Cole and Paul Marais. Paul Marais is the current PE2EL champion and Peter Cole finished one position ahead of Chalupsky at the Cape Point Challenge earlier in the year. On paper, Paul Marais seems to have the edge as he's been training specifically for this ultra marathon whereas Chalupsky has been focusing on the shorter 25km events featured in the World Cup.  

The first, seemingly endless leg which start at first light on Wednesday from Blue Water bay will take the paddlers over an 80km stretch to Woody Cape, known for its treacherous surf conditions. Chalupsky, who only decided three days before the race to take on the challenge, said: "My wife complained that I've been traveling around the world virtually nonstop and I didn't need to do a long, brutal race to prove anything. However, that is when my sponsors KIA and THULE stepped in and said the Challenge wouldn't be the same without me. I will have my son Luke as my second just as I was my Dad's second more then 30 years ago."

Discussing Oscar's late entry, defending champ Paul Marais said, "Oscar is a great competitor especially at this race on his own turf. This race is suited to Oscar as it can have really tough, rough condition that Oscar thrives in. But there'd be nothing better than to beat him when he's been going so well lately. At the age of 43 I should be able to come through."

Anton Erasmus, the race organizer, and title sponsor Old Mutual are very happy to have the old man of the sea in the Challenge, as it brings a bit a spice to the Challenge. Chalupsky, Marais and Cole are likely to be joined by The Wojtek Orzechowski (Knysna) and Brendon Thompson (the 1991 winner) and Collin Hall (both of Knysna). Murray Smith from Durban is always a threat and has come second in this event more times than anyone else.

Anton Erasmus the race organizer says, "We have the safety of all the paddlers covered and we are hoping for a great race but we know we will have many incidences on the way to the East London 244km away"

For more race info and comments contact Anton Erasmus  on 082 459 5163

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed