Monthly Mini-Marathons
The Sharks 2025 Cedric Avery Mini-Marathons Start on October 31st and are the last Saturday of each month. Full details are here, with Risk Assessment here.
The races take place at Harefield, meet at Rickmansworth Sailing Club, WD3 9YB. The cost is £7 per seat (cash or card on the day), all types of paddle powered craft welcome; Canoes, Kayaks, Sups, crew boats, as long as you use a paddle you can race. For more information call/text 07951 770241 or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk
We have three distances:
1.5 miles for beginners and slalom boats (although slalom boats can go further if they want). There are no portages on this race and will be a mass start.
An intermediate race of 3.5 miles and two portages, youngsters and people with mobility difficulties can have help (although we are unable to provide support staff for this). This race will be started according to you previous times, but the first one will be a mass start.
The 6.5 mile race has 4 portages. The first race will be a mass start but subsequent races will be according to your previous race times.
Racing starts at 11am from just below Coppermill Lock (UB9 6HZ), check in and entries from 10am at Troy Lake (Rickmansworth Sailing Club), where you can park and get in to the adjacent canal.
Under 18s must wear buoyancy aids, over 18, your choice.
Medals are awarded to the best paddlers: with the fastest times, and accumulated points throughout the series. With clubs competing the Cedric Avery Winter Series Mini-Marathon shield! Points are awarded to each paddler, the points system is detailed here.
For more information call/text 07951 770241 or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
Directions:
Troy Lake, West Hyde, which is the home of Rickmansworth Sailing Club, which is accessed from the A412 Denham Road/North Orbital Road, signposted for Rickmansworth Sailing Club. Turn Left at the small MOT garage and, once passed the Marble and Granite Centre, drive along the track for 500m to the Sailing Club. WD3 9YB for SatNav directions.
There are changing rooms and showers etc. and there is a car parking adjacent to the canal.
For more information call/text 07951 770241 or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
Updated October 1st 2025