Thameside 2: Reading to Marlow
This is a downstream race with mass class starts, starting in Reading and finishing at Bisham Abbey Sailing School.
Start and Check in will be behind Reading Rowing Club on the south bank of the river near the Rivermead Sports Centre and Premier Inn Hotel, opposite Reading Canoe club. The finish will be at Bisham Abbey Sailing School.
After the portage at Temple Lock follow the flow of the river to the opposite side of the river (River Right), the finish line will be visible as you come round the corner.
Food, toilets and showers will be available at the finish location.
Approximate total distance: 17.2 miles, Portages: 7
Race Entry
Senior: Pre-entries: £18 per seat per race
Junior: Pre-entries: £14 per seat per race
British Canoeing (BC) Membership Day Ticket £5
Late entries: £4 additional per seat
- Entries can only be made online this year. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 12:00 ON THE DAY PRECEDING EACH RACE.
- Payment is via the online entry system only.
- Comprehensive BC membership is required. Please bring your card on the day.
- Those without proof of BC membership will be charged £5 for an event day ticket.
- Entry fees include Thames Licences, light refreshments and the use of shower and changing facilities at finishing points.
- All Under 18 paddlers must wear a Buoyancy Aid.
Classes
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes">
| Junior |
Senior |
Veteran |
Ladies |
Mixed |
Jun/Vet |
| K1 & K2 |
K1 & K2
C1 & C2 |
K1 & K2 |
K1 & K2 |
K2 |
K2 |
</figure>
- Juniors must be under 19 on January 1st in the year of the race.
- Veterans must be aged 35 or over on January 1st in the year of the race.
- A Junior/Veteran boat must be made up of paddlers from both classes.
Prizes
Thameside 2: Prize giving will take place as soon as all results are in and confirmed.
Race Day
Thameside 2
08:30 Check-In opens
09:30 Check-In closes
09:30 Briefing
10:00 Slow doubles – odd numbers
10:10 Slow doubles – even numbers
10:15 Slow singles
10:50 Fast doubles
11:00 Fast singles
12:00 Finish window opens
Anyone in Div 3 or above will not be allowed to start in the slower start. Race time cir. 2:15
Safety
- Canoeing and Kayaking in all its forms is an ‘Assumed Risk – Water Contact’ sport. The organisers have done their very best to provide a safe racing environment.
- Competitors and team leaders should note that competitors participate at their own risk, and that Reading Canoe Club cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury to person or property however caused.
- Team leaders must bring to the race organiser’s attention any paddlers that are known to suffer with 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 the paddler.
- The course is open to others and you must be mindful of all others, and courteous, whether they are competitors/supporters/general public, on and off the water.
- Competitors must provide support to any other paddler in distress, and should attempt to raise the attention of one of the marshals along the course.
- The rules of the river/waterway should be observed at all times.
Kit Requirements
In the event of cold weather, paddlers considered by the race organisers to be too lightly dressed will not be permitted to take part. The safety marshalʼs decision in this matter will be final.
Buoyancy Aids
- All paddlers under the age of 18 years on 1st January in the year of the race must wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket.
- Division 7-9 paddlers must wear buoyancy aids, regardless of the class entered.
- It is recommended that all other paddlers wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket and dress appropriately, since river conditions can be adverse at this time of the year – we may also declare on race day it is compulsory for ALL classes, ALL paddlers.
Boat Buoyancy
All boats must carry sufficient buoyancy secured in both ends to support their own weight plus that of crew members in the water, e.g. inflated airbags or fixed buoyancy blocks. Boats may be inspected before the start and any boats not meeting the requirements will not be allowed to race.
Retirements
All paddlers who fail to finish must report this, with their boat number, to a marshal. Alternatively report to race control on 07727262925 (please note this number has changed).
Results
The results will appear on this site during the event, check the Home Page for the latest.
For historical results check out the Archive Results