From: Imogen Collins – Lead Coach
Reading Canoe Club had 4 Junior athletes heading out to Amsterdam, Tyler Kinder, Marcell Nagy, Ruth Shephard and Doogal Barnett. All athletes delivered a strong showing at the 2026 Amsterdam Waterland Marathon, taking on one of Europe’s classic marathon courses — a 24 km route defined by tactical group racing, narrow polder sections, and two decisive portages.
The race starts on the North-Hollands Kanaal and winds through the Waterland region before finishing at KV Viking Canoe Club in Amsterdam, demanding both speed and technical precision.
The Amsterdam Waterland Marathon is known for its blend of flatwater speed and tactical nuance:
- Two portages on the long course — around Monnickendam and the Ilpendam wetlands — frequently break up groups.
- Narrow nature corridors force smart line choice and efficient overtaking.
- Fast finishing water rewards athletes who can hold contact through the final transitions.
Marcell Nagy of the Reading Canoe Club has achieved 3rd place with 1:49:12.5 while a number of other paddlers from the club gained valuable experience racing this unique course in April.
If you want a glimpse into the nature of the race, head over to their webpage and check out their “aftermovie”: Amsterdam Waterland Marathon – you may recognise a few faces… 😉
Photo Credit: Viktoria Honigh