Paddling Challenge
The world’s oldest canoe race
The Paddling Challenge is a race with an unrivalled history.
Royal Canoe Club was founded in 1866. The first club race recorded started at Kingston Bridge and came downstream to “one-mile tree” which was reputed to be an oak tree on the bank opposite the club.
It wasn’t until June 1st 1874 that the club committee asked members to support the purchase of a challenge cup for its first official canoe race which was a mile long. This race has been run every year since, except during both world wars.
The winner’s trophy is among one of the oldest sporting trophies in the world, playing a huge part in our country’s sporting history. Archived minutes from the time reveal that the cup cost £42.17.6d which is £3650 in today’s money but using today’s labour and materials a replacement would cost approx. £21k.
The race distance has evolved to 10km (6 miles) which is more suited to today’s paddlers’. It now starts and ends at the Royal Canoe Club.
- Venue: Royal Canoe Club, Trowlock Way, Teddington TW11 9QY
- Distance: Seniors & Veterans 10km, Juniors 5km, Lightnings 3km
- Entry form: http://bit.ly/2xgh3X9
- Check in: from 11am.
- Start times: Lightnings 12pm. All other divisions 1pm.
- Prizes: £200 for adult winners. £50 for junior winners. Age related prizes have generously been donated and will be presented by Mark Ressel, Founder of Icon Sports
- VIPs: Special guests on the day include Olympian Champion Liam Heath and Olympians Jess Walker and Rebii Simon
