Thameside 2 - 2026

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 Village Hotel and opposite Reading Canoe club (https://w3w.co/bounty.rock.large). 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

Parking and Facilities

Pre-event: Limited parking near Reading Promenade or across Richfield Avenue. Please drop boats/paddlers at the Rowing Club (https://w3w.co/bounty.rock.large), then park elsewhere responsibly.

Post-event: The finish will be at Bisham Abbey Sailing School where parking, toilets, showers and food will be available.

Entry Details

• Online entry only – No entries after 12:00 PM, Saturday, 28th February 2026
• Standard entries: Until 23:59, Thursday, 26th February 2026
• Entry fees: £18 for seniors, £14 for juniors
• Late entries : £4 additional per seat
• Paddle UK Membership required
• The entry fee includes Thames Licences, refreshments, showers, and changing facilities

Classes

• Juniors: Under 19 on 1st January 2026
• Veterans: 35+ on 1st January 2026
• Junior/Veteran boats must include paddlers from both classes

Prizes: Prize giving will take place as soon as all results are in and confirmed. Prizes to first three in each category.

Race Day Schedule

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 (arrivals before 12:00 will not be timed)

Event Terms and Safety

• Parking: strictly no parking or drop off/pick up at Reading Canoe Club/The Warren. Due to issues with the club’s boundary wall, parking is unavailable along the Warren.
• Safety: Canoeing/Kayaking is an assumed risk sport. Competitors race at their own risk. Be courteous to others and assist paddlers in distress without endangering yourself.
• Medical Conditions: 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 organizer 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
• The rules of the river/waterway should be observed at all times. 
• Kit: Adequate clothing required; buoyancy aids mandatory for under-16s and Div 7–9 paddlers. Recommended for all. All paddlers must bring a buoyancy aid in case the weather or/and river conditions demand it.
• Boat Buoyancy: Must support boat and crew weight in water. Inspections may occur.
• Retirements: Report to marshal or call race control (07345982183).
• Conduct: No littering; respect residents, spectators and towpath users. If any anti-social behaviour is reported on behalf of the competitor or their support crew, the competitor is at risk of disqualification.