Hasler Finals 2026

NEW DATE: 18 October 2026

ENTRIES:

Canoe Marathon - Hasler Finals 2026

Richmond Canoe Club are pleased to welcome paddlers back for the Hasler Finals. This year, the race has moved to the beautiful Hurst Park to accomodate more paddlers, the same location as the Richmond Hasler June 2026.

Parking/ Directions

For Satnav, use postcode KT8 1ST. Parking will be available in the park accessed by Sadlers Ride. A one way system will be enforced, so that all vehicles should enter via Sadlers Ride and exit via Ferry Lane. Do not approach the park from Ferry Lane.

Access is controlled by lockable barriers, which will be locked at 17:30 so all cars must have vacated the area by this time. Please do not park in the main Hurst Park car park by the river, as this is for use by visitors to Park.

The race entry fee includes the parking provided on the day

Schedule

08:00            Check in opens for Team Leaders at Race Desk

09:45            Briefing for morning races (GS and Div 4-6)

10:30            Morning Races start at approx. 2-minute intervals (GS and Div 4-6)

11:40            Geoff Sanders Prize Giving

12:15            Briefing for Afternoon races (Div 1-3 and 7-9)

13:00            Afternoon races start at approx. 2-minute intervals (Div 1-3 and 7-9)

16:00            Prize giving ceremony for Division 1-9

17:00            Close

Start Order - Provisional

Races will be divided in morning and afternoon sessions.

Morning will consist of Divisions 4-6 and GS. Afternoon will consist of Divisions 1-3 and 7-9

Times are subject to change

Courses

Courses will be based on a circuit. Starts will be facing upstreat at Hurst park (Opposite Hampton Sailing Club).

Paddle upstream on river right to Sunbury Lock, back downstream towards the start, keeping river right at all times

There is a clearly marked grass portage on river right before the start line, 

Take out and run on the grassy bank. Put back in before Garricks Ait

Paddle anti-clockwise around Garricks Ait, back upstream to the start/ finish line

On the final lap, paddlers must paddle over the start/ finish line, between the left bank and a buoy approx 5 meters from the bank to have times recorded.

1 full lap = 6.7 kms

• Divisions 1-3 - 3 laps, 3 portages (20 kms)
• Divisions 4-6 - 2 laps, 2 portages (13.4 kms)
• Divisions 7-9 - 1 lap, no portages (6.7 kms)
• Geoff Sanders (Under 14) 2 small laps, no portages - (4 kms)

NB it is critical for all participants safety to paddle on river right at all times (other than when crossing the finish line). Failure to do so will result in disqualification

SUP

Unfortunately we cannot accomodate SUP's at the Hasler Finals

Food & Drink

After the races, light refreshments will be provided for all competitors. Other food and drink will be available for purchase.

Prizes

Prizes will be provided for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each divisional race and all Geoff Sanders series races. 

Facilities

Portaloos will be available on-site, but we regret that no showers or changing facilities will be available. If you require disabled parking or toilet facilities, please email us in advance.

Results

Provisional results will be published live on www.richmondcanoeclub.com on the day in a mobile-accessible format. Final results will be published on the club website and the Marathon Canoeing site within 7 days following the race.

Race notes

• Rules: This event will be under the Marathon Racing Rules, per the 2025 Handbook.
• Number Boards: London & South East region number boards will be supplied to all competitors and must be used.
• Buoyancy Aids: are compulsory for all juniors, and all paddlers ranked in Divisions 7, 8 and 9, irrespective of the class entered. This applies across age categories and in singles and doubles. Parents or team leaders may provide an exemption for their junior paddlers, provided this is received in writing before the race. The race organisers may request that all or some paddlers, in addition to the above may need to wear buoyancy aids; the race organisers’ decision is final.
• Medical: Team leaders/individuals must also bring to the race organisers’ attention any competitors who are known to suffer from medical conditions that could adversely affect their safety. The race organiser will then decide what, if any, extra control measures to put in place to ensure the safety of these competitors.
• Boat Buoyancy: Competitors must render their boats sufficiently buoyant to remain afloat and support the crew in rough water in the event of a capsize. Marshalls may inspect boats at any time for adequate buoyancy. The penalty for any non-compliant boat is the disqualification of the crew.
• Retirements: All competitors who fail to finish must report to a Marshal and inform them of their boat number and the fact that they have retired.
• Briefing: All competitors must attend the race briefing on the day, where up-to-date course information, hazards and obstructions will be made available, in addition to reading this briefing document.
• Starts: All boats must be on the water at least 10 minutes before the advertised start time. 

Race cancellation/ withdrawls

In the event that the race is cancelled, refunds of the entry fee minus a £3.00 admin charge will be processed to all paddlers. This fee is intended to cover sunk costs incured by the organisers. Withdrawals up to and including the day before the race may also be refunded minus the £3.00 admin charge. Withdrawals on the day will not be refunded.

Important Safety Notes

The race organisers reserve the right to CANCEL the event up to and including on the day in the case of an incident, emergency or conditions. We will do our best to notify team leaders, but please check the website for the latest information.

Should circumstances require the ABANDONMENT of the race whilst in progress, the following procedure will apply and will be strictly adhered to: 

Crews on hearing continuous short blasts on air horns and/or seeing marshals waving red flags will immediately STOP. They will wait for a marshal to instruct them on how and where to proceed. Crews must be aware that other crews may not have heard or seen the warnings and must pass on instructions to any such crew they see still racing.

Depending on crews’ locations, whether or not the Race has started, and the number of crews still being marshalled, they may be asked to paddle to a specified get-out point or turn towards one of the banks and await further instructions.

Competitors should be aware that the River Thames can be busy with pleasure cruisers, rowers, and other craft. They must be mindful of these and other hazards. Competitors must also follow all instructions from the Thames Lock Keepers, Environment Agency Officials, and Race Marshals.

Competitors must support any other paddler in distress and should attempt to raise the attention of one of the safety boats or Marshals along the course.

Canoeing and Kayaking in all its forms is an ‘Assumed Risk – Water Contact’ sport. The organisers have done their best to provide a safe racing environment, but competitors are reminded of their duty of care to themselves and all other competitors. Safety is a shared responsibility.

Please use this telephone number to report any emergencies on the day – 07827741646 (Andy Birkett). Please do not use this for any other purposes.