Marathon racing is one of the most popular sections of canoe sport. It attracts large numbers of canoeists of all abilities and takes place on most types of water – e.g. canals, lakes, rivers, estuaries and even the sea – and throughout the whole year. Two attractive features of Marathon racing are that it caters for people of differing levels of ability from the beginner to world class international athletes and also caters for competitors of a wide age range from under 10 to over 70.
You will be welcome if you want to take up marathon racing what ever your age or previous kayaking or canoeing experience. Your best way to start is to contact a local canoe club that participates in marathon racing.
Your introduction to racing is likely to be in your club’s time trial or other low level competition. Most clubs can give you guidance on the boat most suited to your ability and provide equipment and coaching to help you improve your speed and skill to enable you to progress to specialist racing canoes or kayaks.
The Marathon Racing Committee organises the National Championships, the Hasler Trophy Series and the Lightning Series on behalf of the BCU. It is also is responsible for selecting and administering teams representing Great Britain at international events.
There is a wide range of other races which take place throughout the year. The Devizes to Westminster and the Cheshire Ring, at 125 and 95 miles respectively, are amongst the longest races. The Frank Luzmore K2, the Waterside and Thamesside Series are between 13 and 34 miles and attract large entries despite being held in January, February and March. These together with local and regional races and descent races, held down stream on faster moving water, mean that there are races suitable for all abilities and ages throughout most of the year.
So come and give marathon racing a try. Speak to your local club. A list of clubs can be accessed via this website – just click here
