QPR win the Great Harlesden Charity Canoe Race
Congratulations to the team from the Queens Park Rangers Community Trust, who won the third annual Great Harlesden Charity Canoe Race.
The event with takes place at Harlesden Canalside on the last Wednesday of September each year and raises money for Brent Food Bank and the Queens Park Rangers Community Trust. Both organisations are helping local people and if you wish to donate to the causes, please click here or use the QR code. If you are interested in taking part in next year’s event, please call/text 07951 770241, or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
The 2026 Champions
The Queens Park Rangers Community Trust, racing under the name of Queen Park Water Rangers, just edge out the Canal and Rivers Trust Team, in a very tight race, there time was 5 minutes and 1 second congratulations
Many thanks also to QPR for supporting the event and providing match tickets for all the people who took part. You can also help the Community Trust by supporting former play Charlie Austin in his fund raising Three Peak Challenge.
Runners Up
The Canal and River Trust team finished in a time of 5:07 and an additional thanks to them for tidying the area up before the race. The C&RT staff do a fantastic job of maintaining these important green corridors through our City.
Bronze Medalists
Representing the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, took third place, their best finish yet to the race! Their time was 6:40, we would also like to then the OPDC for their ongoing support in helping us to develop the canoeing project at Harlesden
Absent Friends
Special mention to Murphy’s who normally enter three teams (and the winners for the previous two years), who were unable to attend sue to working commitments. However, many thanks to them for their donation of £500 towards our charities!
The Future …
Next year’s event will take place on Wednesday September 29th 2027; starting at 11am, please put it in your diary now. We need teams of four people, from companies or any organisation that can raise at least £100 towards our nominated charities; Brent Food Bank and Queens Park Rangers Community Trust.
We are also looking to organise a similar event for youngsters, slightly different rules, we will require them to set up a Just Giving Page and seek sponsorship, to raise money.
We are also looking for somebody to help co-ordinate our Harlesden activities, including helping build the Great Harlesden Canoe Race into an even better event in the future. Are you interested? You will be fully supported by The Sharks and our partners, it will be a lot of fun, not too much commitment, and good experience working with some great people. For more information about getting involved with The Sharks, about paddling with us, or helping us to become the Pride of London, then call/text on 08951 770241, or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
More pictures coming soon …
Thank You
To everybody involved, to the teams paddling, people donating money and to The Shark team who organised and staffed the event.
Published 6th October 2026