Sunday 28th June
We are going to Wey Kayak Club’s Marathon Race, are you joining us? This is a great opportunity for paddlers to try a ranking Marathon Race, it is fairly local to both West London and Thamesmead and is suitable for all standards.
The Race takes place at Wey Kayak Club, based at Waterside Centre, Riverside, Guildford, England GU1 1LD. Wey have been very supportive of The Sharks, helping us to get suitable racing kayaks, so let us support them by turning up in large numbers.
Juniors
Under 14-year-olds race a 3 miles (5k), those under-12 race in Lightnings, if you are unsure, we can arrange 5k practice at Thamesmead (three times round the outside if the Lake), Southall (to the third road bridge and back), or Harlesden (round the aqueduct and back).
These races start at 11:30, with briefing at 11am, you need to be onsite at 10:3am and have reported to The Sharks Team Manager for the day.
Entry level over 14.
Those over 14, race 4 miles (6.5k), there are no portages on this race.
These races start at 11:30, with briefing at 11am, you need to be onsite at 10:3am and have reported to The Sharks Team Manager for the day.
Longer Races
There are 8.5 miles (13k) and 12 mile (19k) races for the more experienced, these races start at 12:45, with briefing at 12:20, you need to be on site by 11:45 please.
Entry Fees
Seniors £14
Juniors (Under 18) £10
Geoff Saunders (under 14) £5
For more information of to get involved, talk to your coaches at any of our sites, or call/text 07951 770241, you can email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk. The Club will sort out your entries, if you let us know before 25th June.
The following is the information posted on the Marathon Racing Website.
The race will be held in accordance with Paddle UK Marathon Racing rules. U14’s racing in divisions A & B and U12’s in C will qualify for Geoff Sanders Memorial Trophy.
VENUE: Guildford Waterside Centre, Riverside, Bellfields, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1LW
COURSES: River and Canal. 12 mile course 8 portages; 8 mile course 4 portages; 4 & 3 mile course no portages.
PARKING: As directed by marshals. No parking on the grass on Maple Grove or at the Row Barge pub. Overflow parking will be at the Jarvis Centre.
START TIMES:
Check in from 10:00.
4 miles & 3 miles courses Briefing 11:00, Start 11:30
12 miles & 8.5 miles courses Briefing 12:20, Start 12:45
ENTRIES: Entries open on 1 June 2026, and close on 27th June 2025, however if you enter after 25th June there is a late entry surcharge of £5. Payment and late entries can be made on the day with a surcharge of £7.
Seniors: £14
Juniors: £10
Geoff Sanders: £5.
Please make entries using the marathon race entry system.
SAFETY: All paddlers in Divisions 7 to 9 and U14s must wear approved buoyancy aids. Team leaders to decide on suitability of the competitor for the race and if paddlers in higher divisions should wear buoyancy aids. Team leaders to inform race organisers of any health issue that we need to be aware of in advance of the race. All paddlers should wear clothing appropriate to the temperature.
RULES: The race will be run in accordance with the current Marathon Racing Rules.
NUMBER BOARDS: These will be issued at check in and will be collected after the race. Lost boards are charged at £5.
REFRESHMENTS: Light refreshments will be provided for competitors. Substantial refreshments available for purchase.
PRIZES: Geoff Saunders: Wey medals will be presented to K1s and K2s placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd, irrespective of the number of paddlers in each event. Div 1-9: Wey medals or beanies will be presented to K1s and K2s placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd, irrespective of the number of paddlers in each event.
NOTE: WEY Kayak Club reserves the right, without prior notice, to alter any of these arrangement should the weather or other circumstances warrant it. Due to the nature of the river, SUPs are not permitted to enter the race.
If you have any access requirements, or for any queries or changes to entries please contact Jenny Ritchie at weymarathon@weykayak.co.uk.
The Sharks are proud to be affiliated to Paddle UK
Published 12th June 2026