Please join us at Royal Leamington spa for our hasler marathon on Sunday 29th March 2026. The race will be held in accordance with Paddle UK Marathon racing rules. U14s racing in divisions A, B and C will qualify for Geoff Sanders Memorial Trophy.
The race takes place on the River Leam (all divisions) and the River Avon (divisions 1-6) with beautiful views of Warwick Castle.
ORGANISATION: For race entry enquiries please contact Emma Miles: emmajmiles@gmail.com
For general enquiries or if you have any access requirements please contact the race organiser Tom Diaper: tomd777@btinternet.com
VENUE: Royal Leamington Spa Canoe Club, Riverside, (off Adelaide Road A452), Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5AH. Check-in, refreshments, results and prize giving at canoe club. Google Maps | what3words
PARKING: At the Canoe Club and adjacent car park (fee may be payable). Please carry boats to opposite side of river for launching - please no boats through clubhouse.
TIMETABLE:
- 09:00-10:15 Check in (team leaders) [RLS Canoe Club]
- 09:30 Briefing - Geoff Sanders [RLS Canoe Club]
- 09:45 Start - Geoff Sanders K1 (Divs A,B,C) [RLS Canoe Club]
- 10:15 Briefing - Divs 1-9 [RLS Canoe Club]
- 10:45 Launching - Divs 1-9 [Opposite side of river to RLS Canoe Club]
NOTE: Div 1-6 Paddle downstream, portage at weir, paddle to Leam/Avon junction start line (approx 20 min to paddle)
- 11:15 Start - Divs 7-9 [RLS Canoe Club]
- 11:30 Start - Divs 1-6 [Leam/Avon junction]
- 13:00 Start - Geoff Sanders K2 (approx timing) [RLS Canoe Club]
- 13:30 Prize Giving (approx timing) [RLS Canoe Club]
PRIZE GIVING: Will be done once all races are finished and results are available.
COURSES: All paddlers to enter water opposite RLS Club house.
SINGLES & DOUBLES DISTANCES
Divs 1-3: 12 miles, 1 portage
Divs 4-6: 8 miles, 1 portage
Divs 7-9: 4 miles (3 laps of the River Leam)
Geoff Sanders: 2 miles (1 lap of the River Leam)
ENTRIES: Entries open on Thur 12th March and close on Fri 27th March. There are no late entry fees, we reserve the right to close entries before the published closure date if we reach capacity which is approximately 140 competitors. In previous years we have reached capacity.
Seniors: £15
Juniors: £10
Geoff Sanders: £5
Please enter using the Marathon Race Entry system.
NUMBERS: All paddlers are required to bring their own number boards (with their number clearly displayed).
PORTAGE: Paddlers are recommended to inspect the portage on the way to the start, it is through a field and although every effort will be made to clear the route, appropriate footwear is recommended as there may be debris and uneven ground.
HAZARDS: Care should be taken around rowers, fishermen and other river users. Divs 7 - 9 and Geoff Sanders should be aware of oncoming paddlers and keep to the right of the river as the Leam is relatively narrow in places.
SAFETY: All paddlers in Divs 7 - 9 and Geoff Sanders must wear approved buoyancy aids. Team leaders to decide if paddlers in high divisions should wear them.
RULES: The race will be run in accordance with the current marathon racing rules.
PRIZES: For all races depending on entry.
NOTE: RLS Canoe Club reserves the right without prior notice to alter any of these arrangments should the weather or other circumstances warrant.