Marathon kayaking is at the heart of Reading Canoe Club’s racing scene. Our paddlers compete in events across the UK and abroad, with a strong focus on the Hasler Series, the National Championships, our own Hasler, the longer, winter Thameside Races and K4 race. Members also compete in the annual Devizes to Westminster race at Easter, which is 125 miles and one of sport’s major challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or new to the sport, we provide the training, support, and opportunities to help you develop and compete at your best.
Hasler Series – Regional & National Competition
The Hasler Series is the foundation of marathon racing in the UK. Clubs across each region host races throughout the season, where paddlers earn points for their club. Our goal is always to qualify for the Hasler Final, the national championship of club-based marathon racing, held each October.
Men, women, boys and girls compete against each other in Divisions. The fastest (Divisions 1, 2 and 3) race over 12 miles, Divisions 4, 5 and 6 race over 8 miles, and 7, 8 and 9 race over 4 miles. There is also the Geoff Sanders Series for Under 14s, where the distance is 2.5 miles. Racers are promoted (or offered demotion) according to their performances.
As a club, we not only compete but also host one of the regional Hasler races, giving paddlers of all levels a chance to race on home waters and contribute to our team’s success.
National Championships
We regularly send teams to both the National Marathon Championships (Long Course and Short Course), where paddlers compete against the best in the country. Reading Canoe Club has a strong history in these events, and we have also proudly hosted the Long Course Nationals on several occasions.
Thameside Races
In addition to the Hasler Series, we host the well-known Thameside Races, which provide excellent preparation for endurance events like the Devizes to Westminster (DW) race.
- Thameside 1 – Aldermaston Wharf to Reading Canoe Club
- Thameside 2 – Reading Canoe Club to Bisham Abbey
These races will have their own dedicated section on the website, but they remain an important part of our marathon paddling tradition.
Getting Involved
If you’re interested in marathon racing, whether as a beginner or an experienced paddler, we welcome you to train and race with us. Our club offers structured training sessions, race-day support, and a friendly community to help you progress.
For more information on upcoming races, training, and how to get involved, get in touch with us!