K1/C1 Marathon Assessment Race (Norwich)
Saturda 28th March 2026
TIMETABLE AND CLASSES
Check in: 10:30 until 11:30
Boat Check 11.00 until 11.45
Safety Briefing and Course Summary: 12:00 at Norwich Canoe Club
Race start: 12.30
There will be a compulsory boat check at Norwich Canoe Club. All paddlers must ensure that their boat has passed the check and has been signed off. Failure to do this will result in a time penalty or disqualification.
The following classes will be offered (in start order):
12.30 SMK1, U23MK1 (28 km)
12.33 JMK1 (21 km)
12.36 SWK1, U23WK1, U23 MC1 & SMC1 (21km)
12.38 JWK1, JMC1, SWC1, JWC1 (17km)
Wash Hanging
The course is laps so all competitors will be on the same course at the same time. There is no wash hanging on other classes that have different start times to you. Ie If you are caught up by the race behind you cannot sit on the passing boats wash. Similarly if you catch the race in front you cannot wash hang off any of those paddlers. The MRC will impose time penalties on paddlers observed doing so.
Portages
The portages may well be slippery. On the portage outside the club there is likely to be soft soil where mole hills have been flattened. On the 2nd portage at the green there is likely to be a slippery surface of mud because of the recent rain. At both portages there is a risk of stepping on sharp stones particularly on both get-ins. For these reasons we strongly recommend you wear something on your feet that has grip and gives the sole of your foot protection from any sharp stones and also gives some support to prevent sprained ankles etc from trading on uneven surfaces.
Separation Buoys
There will be separation buoys on the course to avoid cutting corners. You must go river right of these. The location of these will be outlined in the briefing.
Finish Line
The finish line is close to the club. You must only paddle through the finish tunnel of buoys when you are finishing. Do not paddle through it on preceding laps. When you do finish you must paddle through the finish tunnel. If you do not do so you may be disqualified. After finishing please be aware that other boats may still be racing and be considerate. Please keep the portage and the racing line of the river clear after you finish your race and are getting off the water.
Parking
Parking is either on Whitlingham Lane between the Dry Ski Slope and the Old Boatyard. (free if you can find a space) or in the Whitlingham Country Park Pay and Display Car parks. Costs for the car parks are: All Day £6, four hours £5.00, three hours £4.00, two hours £2.80 and one hour £1.60. Please do not drive down to the club!
Cafe
The Cafe "Bettys Bar" upstairs at Whitlingham Boathouses serves hot food and hot drinks. It will be open all morning and will close at around 3pm.