Elmbridge Easter Junior Half Marathon

**Please bring buoyancy aids as these will likely be compulsory based on current river conditions. It is likely that paddlers will need to be picked up at the Finish (Thames Lock) to avoid paddling onto the Thames and across Shepperton weir (details will be explained in the briefing)**

Event Description. Elmbridge Canoe Club K1/C1 Half Marathon for Juniors under 16 only. A time-trial event from Wey Kayak Club to Thames Lock using the Wey Navigation. Approximately 12 miles in distance and includes a number of portages. 

Classes. 5 classes for boys and girls – under 12, under 13, under 14, under 15, under 16 (Age at 1st January 2024).  

Prize Giving. To the fastest boy and girl in each age group, providing there are 3 or more paddlers in that class. Held at Elmbridge C.C. after the race.  

Entry Fees. Early fee £10.00 per boat. Late entries will be accepted on the day - £12.00 per boat.  

PAYMENT: via the online entry system

Venue. Wey Navigation Canal. A narrow working canalised river managed by the National Trust.  

All paddlers must have valid BC memberships.  

Start Venue. Waterside Centre (Wey Kayak Club), Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW  

From Guildford take the A320 towards Woking. After you have crossed under the A3 flyover and it’s slip road, turn left at the next roundabout and then first left. This will take you down to the Waterside Centre (Wey Kayak Club).  

Support. There is a towpath which follows the route all the way. Help on the 9 portages is permitted and encouraged.  

Information about accessing portages supplied at the start. The canal is National Trust property and their bylaws do not enable them to authorise competition that could endanger the safety or enjoyment of other users. Please be considerate at all times of other river and towpath users, especially if following on bike / providing assistance at portages. The event will be out at risk if complaints are received.  

NO VEHICULAR ACCESS TO TRIGGS LOCK PLEASE.  

Start / Timings.  

Briefing Time. 10.00 at the Waterside Centre.  

All paddlers are required to collect their designated number board from the race leader who will be visible at the start on the day.  

Start Times. 10:30 – 11:30  

Paddlers will be set off by the race starter in age group classes (youngest first) at 5 minute intervals, in order to avoid congestion at portages.  

Finish (Race). Thames Lock, Jessamy Road, Weybridge, KT13 8LB  

The boats will be timed in at Thames Lock. Once paddlers have completed the race they will be asked to portage Thames Lock and make their way onto the River Thames via Weybridge Rowing Club and paddle 500m downstream to Elmbridge Canoe Club (River conditions permitting).  

Finish (Elmbridge C.C.) Elmbridge Canoe Club KT13 8LT Walton Lane, Weybridge.  

All paddlers are recommended to paddle down to Club to get changed, have some food and a hot drink and be picked up by parents.