Stockton-on-Tees World Cup - LK2 Start - picture by James Wingfield
Marathon racing takes place primarily on flat water, with races varying from 4 to 28 miles. A race course will generally include a number of portages where competitors must carry their kayak / canoe for a given distance before reentering the water. In parallel to this form of racing, a more exciting and spectacular tradition has evolved. This involves racing over marathon distances on rivers where there are obstacles such as weirs and rapids to be negotiated. Such events combine the physical demands of marathon racing with the white water skills of other racing disciplines. |
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Events are held on rivers, canals, and lakes across Britain most weekends. A number of these races are nominated as qualifying races for the national club championships, 'The Hasler final'.
There is a divisional system so that whatever your age, ability, or boat, you will be racing against people of a similar speed. You will not end up racing huge distances when you first start, because the distances increase as you progress up the divisions. You get promoted to a higher division when you do well in the division that you are currently racing in.
The Marathon racing calendar in Great Britain is coordinated through the BCU Racing committee. A calendar of events is outlined in the BCU yearbook with the season running from March until October.
The Welsh team, once selected at the National Championships, attends the Tour d’Ecosse series in Scotland and the Liffey Descent in Ireland. It is hoped that the team will attend an International race in Europe this coming year.
Contact: James Wingfield, Coedlyn, Rowen, Conwy, LL32 8YL
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Stockton-on-Tees World Cup - Junior C1 Start - picture by James Wingfield