Marathon paddling is one of the most accessible forms of canoe and kayak racing, with events taking place over longer distances on rivers, canals, lakes and other sheltered waterways.
Competitions are usually organised into divisions, allowing paddlers to race against others of a similar standard. Newer paddlers and those in the lower divisions can often use a wide range of suitable kayaks or canoes, while higher divisions tend to use specialist marathon boats. These are long, narrow and fast — but can be very unstable when stationary!
Races may be held in single kayaks, known as K1s, or double kayaks, known as K2s. Some events may also include K4s, which are four-person racing kayaks. Canoe classes are also available, with paddlers kneeling on one knee and using a single-bladed paddle in C1 or C2 boats.
At Kingston Kayak Club, marathon racing is a great way for paddlers to build fitness, develop boat control and enjoy friendly competition. It suits a wide range of abilities, from juniors taking part in their first races through to experienced paddlers competing across the region.
Kingston Kayak Club Marathons
Kingston Kayak Club organises two canoe marathons each year:
- Mike Jones Memorial Derwent Marathon
- Wolfreton Marathon
Both races are held at the Environment Agency site at Barmby on the Marsh, using the River Derwent for a friendly, beginner-accessible course with no portages.
Mike Jones Memorial Derwent Marathon
The Mike Jones Memorial Derwent Marathon is part of the Hasler race calendar and takes place from the Environment Agency site at Barmby on the Marsh, near the confluence of the River Derwent and River Ouse.
The race was originally held as the Mike Jones Memorial York Marathon on the River Ouse in the centre of York. It relocated to Barmby on the Marsh in 2008 due to growing difficulties with city centre access.
The course runs upstream on the River Derwent to the relevant turning points. It is a gentle, meandering river course with no portages, easy access to the banks, and footpaths on both sides for walking or cycling support. River traffic is usually limited, with only occasional cabin cruisers or narrow boats.
This is a good beginner-friendly race, normally attracting paddlers from Divisions 7 to 9, as well as Geoff Sanders classes and fun race entries.
Wolfreton Marathon
The Wolfreton Marathon is also held at Barmby on the Marsh, using the same excellent riverside venue and River Derwent course.
Like the Mike Jones Memorial Derwent Marathon, the Wolfreton Marathon is a welcoming event and a good option for newer marathon paddlers. The course has no portages, and water levels are normally low and slow moving at the time of the race, although conditions are always dependent on the weather.
Spray decks are not normally needed, but footwear is recommended when using the pontoon.
Venue Information
Both Kingston Kayak Club marathons are held at:
Environment Agency Site
Barmby on the Marsh
DN14 7HX
If travelling along the M62, leave at Junction 37, Howden, then travel through Barmby village to the end of the road at the Tidal Barrage site. There is only one road through the village.
Please check your sat nav route carefully, especially if travelling from the west, as some systems may direct you to the wrong side of the River Ouse.
The site has:
- Free car parking
- Toilets
- Picnic areas
- Pontoon access to the river
- Footpath access for supporters
- Access to the Trans Pennine Trail
- Birdwatching facilities within the nature reserve
Please note that there are no changing rooms and no refreshment facilities, so paddlers and supporters should come prepared.
Accessibility
Both races are suitable for paddlers who are unable to portage, as the courses have no portages.
For disability parking or facilities enquiries, please contact Claire Medina.
Ultra Canoe Marathons
In addition to standard marathon races, Kingston Kayak Club paddlers have also taken part in ultra-distance canoe marathon events, pushing themselves over far longer distances and challenging conditions.
Cheshire Ring Race
The Cheshire Ring Race was a major endurance canoe marathon covering 96 miles of canal, including 92 locks and 3 tunnel portages. The course followed the Cheshire canal ring and was traditionally run as a serious challenge for K1 and K2 paddlers, while also offering relay options that made it accessible to wider club teams.
Kingston Kayak Club crews have competed in the Cheshire Ring Race on several occasions, including duo K2 entries as well as relay teams.
| Year | Team / Club | Class | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Stu Norris + Andy Lowthorpe | K2 duo | 21:29:30 |
| 2010 | N Jennison / D Axe, Kingston KC, Hull | K2 duo | 23:54:48 |
| 2009 | A, E, I, N Jennison, Kingston KC, Hull | K2 relay — 4 paddlers | 21:37:07 |
| 2008 | A Lowthorpe / L Larkin | K2 duo | 19:51:53 |
| 2008 | Kingston KC, Hull | K2 relay — 10 paddlers | DNF |
| 2007 | Kingston KC, Hull | K2 relay — 4 paddlers | 21:42:33 |
| 2007 | Kingston KC, Hull | K2 relay — 10 paddlers | 21:42:33 |
| 2006 | Kingston KC | K2 relay — 4 paddlers | 20:19:13 |
Although the Cheshire Ring Race is no longer being run for the foreseeable future, it remains an impressive part of Kingston Kayak Club’s marathon history.
Võhandu Marathon
Kingston Kayak Club paddlers have also taken on the Võhandu Marathon in Estonia, one of Europe’s iconic ultra-distance paddling events.
In 2024, Dave Rawding and Andy Davies raced the Võhandu Marathon, completing the 100 km course unsupported in freezing temperatures in a time of:
9 hours, 59 minutes and 15 seconds
This was a huge endurance achievement, combining distance, whitewater, cold conditions, self-sufficiency and the mental challenge of racing for almost ten hours. It stands as another proud example of Kingston Kayak Club paddlers taking on major marathon challenges beyond the standard race calendar.
Contact
For marathon enquiries, please contact:
Or speak to one of the coaches or committee members at Kingston Kayak Club.