Venue
The start is in front of GSCC's boathouse behind the Ancholme Leisure Centre, Scawby Rd, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 9JH (Whatthreewords dares.blinks.chopper). There is ample parking at the Leisure Centre, but the area immediately adjacent to the boathouse is prioritised for trailers and disabled spectator parking. If possible please drop off boats then park in the main car park adjacent to the road bridge.
Distances
Division 1-3 singles and 2 & 3 doubles – 19.5 km. One portage
Division 4-6 singles and doubles – 13 km. One portage
Division 7-9 singles and doubles – 6.5 km.
Geoff Sanders Trophy A, B & C (Age under 14 at 1st January 2025) – 3.6 km
Note To encourage junior participation, the club has a small fleet of Lightning boats available to borrow for the Geoff Sanders races at the request of team leaders.
All paddlers in Divisions 9 and above should wear their club colour to qualify for Hasler points. A plain coloured T-shirt in club colours is also acceptable.
Please enter in advance if possible but entries will also be accepted on the day.
Check-in time 10.30am – 11.30am. Race briefing at 11.45am
Refreshments
These will be provided for all competitors after the event and will be available to purchase throughout the day. We will also be running our usual charity cake stall.
Race Start Time
Order: - 12 mile, 8 mile & 4 mile followed by Geoff Sanders Trophy.
The start time for the first division will be at 12 noon and the start order will be explained at the race briefing. Bear in mind that there may not be any paddlers in the higher divisions, therefore please be prepared to start your race from midday.
Numbers on Boats
All paddlers should display their number clearly on their boat. These should be black letters on white upright boards as specified in PaddleUK Marathon Committee rules. Laminated numbers will be supplied by the organiser. These must be returned after the race.
Access to the water
Via the club jetty - Paddlers should assemble on the water downstream of the start (that is north of the start line, towards the road bridge), and will be called forward to the starting line, by division.
Course and Turns
Divisions 6 and above will have one portage. Paddle-through is allowed for appropriate competitors.
Divisions 1 to 3 will paddle upstream past the railway bridge to the junction between the old and new rivers. Turn left and go through the town then go right onto the main river, under the pipe bridge and motorway bridge. Turn at the next footbridge before returning to portage at the jetty in front of the club premises. After portaging, do two more laps without portage and finish in line with the club jetty.
Divisions 4 to 6 complete one lap of the above course and portage at the jetty in front of the club premises. After portaging do a second lap without a portage and finish in line with the club jetty.
Divisions 7 to 9 do one lap of the course without a portage and finish in line with the club jetty.
Geoff Sanders Trophy paddle upstream past the railway bridge to the white house and turn anticlockwise. Return past the start then turn anticlockwise at the road bridge before returning to finish in line with the club jetty
All turns are anticlockwise.
The organisers reserve the right to modify the course if conditions require.
A map will be available at Check-in Most of the course is accessible to spectators.
Finishing
Paddlers should cross the finish line in their kayak/canoe.
Note Priority at the jetty must be given to those portaging. Spectators are not allowed on the jetty except to assist junior paddlers or those with reduced mobility to launch and exit.
Rules of the River
Other craft may be using the waterway. Paddlers will need to be able to cope with the wash and bow waves from these boats. Please paddle on the right side of the river (River right rule), and be courteous to other water users, fishermen etc. Any specific alterations to these rules will be explained during the briefing. The course has minimal hazards.
Results
Interim results will be posted at the boathouse after the race has finished. Full results will be available on the Marathon Results site.
Prizes
Prize-giving will take place as soon as possible after all paddlers have finished.
Prizes will be awarded to 1st 2nd & 3rd in each division where there are sufficient competitors.
All Geoff Sanders competitors will receive a certificate.