More Medals for Shark Paddlers
Four debuts in Marathon racing and two medals and stunning performances all round in a great day of racing at Tonbridge. Our thanks go to Tonbridge Canoe Club for hosting the event.
Geoff Sanders B
The Geoff Sanders races are introductory races to Marathon, for paddlers under 14 and are typically about 4k long. The Sharks had to paddlers racing this time, both entering Marathon for their first time.
Winning the race was Hugo Flottweg, completing the course in 34 minutes and 31 Seconds.
Just 17 seconds behind was Emilia Flotwegg, coming second overall and first girl.
Division 9
Division 9 is the entry level for paddlers over 14-years-old and another two new debutantes fro The Sharks I’m Marathon Racing. These races are typically 8k.
Mohammed Bouhassane, still only 14-years-old was racing at this level for the first time after his recent victories in Geoff Sanders A races and gaining promotion to division 9. He was fourth with an amazing time of 52:50, He won’t be staying in this division long!
Racing Marathon for the first time was J16 Jacob Flottweg, he came 13th over all, his time was 1:05:32, probably the furthest he has paddled.
Also making her debut was Fatima Elawel, the J16 came 15th in a time of 1:10:21, definably the furthest she has ever paddled, so well done, looking forward to your next race.
Division 7
Two paddlers associated with The Sharks were racing in Division 7, Division 7 is the highest division where races are about 8k, the get longer in Division 6!
Aaron Nolan, who is one of our coaches was racing for Royal Canoe Club and came second, with a time of 46:21.
Malcolm Blowers from Meridian Canoe Club came 10th in a time of 53:30. We would also like to than Malcolm for transporting boats from Thamesmead for our paddlers.
This race was a lot of fun and is an ideal entry point for those wishing to take up Marathon Racing, we hold sessions at Thamesmead, Harlesden and Southall. You don’t need any experience, we welcome complete beginners, we provide the kit you require, so there are now upfront costs. Why not come along and join us, for further information, give us a call/text on 07951 770241, or email canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
Thank you to everybody who made this event possible: Tonbridge Canoe Club, the Canoe Marathon Committee, Paddle UK, Coaches, Parents, Drivers and paddlers, with out you we would not have a sport
Come and join the fun, keep fit, get fit, being on near, or in the water is know to be good for you! Details of all our sessions are available on the drop down menus at the top of each page.
Published 24th August 2026