Marathon Racing
Stockton-on-Tees World Cup - LK2 Start - picture by James Wingfield
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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. |
Stockton-on-Tees World Cup - LK2 Portage
Picture by James Wingfield |
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
Tel. 01492 650989
Email james@dmxl.co.uk
Stockton-on-Tees World Cup - Junior C1 Start - picture by James Wingfield
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