72nd BEDFORD HASLER MARATHON

Bedford Hasler Marathon

Please join us for the 72nd Bedford Marathon on the 24th May 2026

The race is on the River Great Ouse using a 4.3km circuit through the centre of Bedford.
An artificial portage is provided for Div 1-6.

Changing rooms and shower facilities are available.

All parts of the course are accessible to spectators on foot or cycle.

For full details refer to the race pack.

Divisions 1 to 3: 19.7km with three portages
Divisions 4 to 6: 12.9km with two portages
Divisions 7 to 9: 6.8km with no portages
Geoff Sanders (U14): 2.5km with no portages

Timetable:

Div 7-9 & GSA-C
Check-in: 09:00-10:00
Briefing: 10:25
Start: From 10:50

Div 1-6 & GS K2
Check-in: 09:00-11:00
Briefing: 12:05
Start: From 12:30

Protest Window Finish: 14:30 (appox)
Prize Giving 15:00

Entries & Fees:
Entries open 27th Apr 2026 and close Sat 23rd May 2026 8pm
On the 23rd May 2026 there is a late entry surcharge of £5

Seniors: £12 per seat
Juniors: £10 per seat
Geoff Sanders (U14): £5 per seat
For the Geoff Sanders K2 there will be a £5 per seat charge this year (the entry system does not allow a £0 fee)

Please pay online using the marathon entry system or into the following account:
Sort code: 60-01-16 (Natwest)
Account: 45378096
Account holder (Business): Viking Kayak Club

Parking:

Borough Hall (Cauldwell Street), MK42 9AP
Access to the Club for vehicles and boats is severely limited. All competitors should use the Borough Hall car park and landing stage.

Refreshments:

Light refreshments will be available to competitors after their race. Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase throughout the day.
A card-reader will be available.

Canoeing and Kayaking is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement.

Viking Kayak Club reserve the right without prior notice to alter any of the event arrangements should the weather or circumstances warrant it. In the event of cancellation of the event for any reason, an announcement will be made as soon as practicable.

If you wish to cancel your entry please contact the organiser. Refunds will be provided for cancellations up to Fri 22nd May 2026. Refunds for cancellations after this will be at the organisers discretion.

If the race is cancelled by the organiser at any time entry fees will be refunded.