MEDWAY MARATHON 2026
Sunday 2nd August 2026
A marathon race on the River Medway from Maidstone to Tonbridge, covering a distance of 17.4 miles.
A Touring Class is also available. This is an open class that includes all non-racing boats.
IMPORTANT – START LOCATION CHANGED FOR 2026
START:
Allington Slipway
Lock House
Maidstone ME16 0LU
Access via Castle Road off the A20.
Parking is free during the morning check-in period and at the start of the race.
If you intend to leave your vehicle in Allington after the race has begun (later than 11:00am), a parking fee of £5 applies, payable to the Lock Keeper (cash preferred).
COURSE:
17.4 miles from Allington Lock to Tonbridge Canoe Club.
There are 9 portages.
The course is on placid water and is therefore suitable for paddlers of all abilities.
FINISH:
Tonbridge Canoe Club
New Wharf Road
Tonbridge
Car parking is available at Lower Castle Fields Car Park (TN9 1HR).
Please note that parking charges apply and payment must be made via RingGo.
TIMETABLE:
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Booking In
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9:00am – 10:00am
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Race Briefing
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10:15am
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Race Start
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From 10:30am
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CLASSES:
There will be K1 and K2 races in the following classes:
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Class A
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All Division 1, 2 & 3 paddlers
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Class B
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All Division 4, 5 & 6 paddlers
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Class C
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All Division 7, 8 & 9 paddlers
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PRIZES:
Medway Marathon T-shirts will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each class, subject to sufficient entries.
NUMBER BOARDS:
The race will use the London & South East Region Marathon Number Boards.
MEMBERSHIP:
All paddlers must hold current membership of Paddle UK or their relevant Home Nation governing body (Paddle Scotland, Paddle Cymru or Paddle Northern Ireland).
Competitors entered outside of the MRC entry system should bring proof of membership to check-in.
REFRESHMENTS:
Refreshments will be available at the finish at Tonbridge Canoe Club.
ENTRIES:
Entry Fee: £12.00 per seat
Late Entries: Accepted on the day at an additional cost of £3.00 per seat.
Please submit entries online via the MRC Entry System or email:
clive.neale@axahealth.co.uk
Entries must be received by 3:00pm on Friday 24th July 2026.
Entries received by email after this deadline will not be processed.