B. Stortford Winter Series marathon
STATUS UPDATE (Saturday 4/11/23 20:55)
The courses for the 3mile and 5mile races have had to be changed due to the fall of a large tree blocking the river upstream of the club. The details below have been updated to show the revised courses.
Because of all the recent heavy rain it will not be possible to use the field for parking. We will fit as many cars on-site as we can, and have alternative (free) hard-standing parking which marshals at the top of the lane will direct to when this is full.
Please bring PFDs for all paddlers in case these are a requirement on the day, check your boat meets buoyancy requirements, and make sure juniors in particular are appropriately dressed for the cold conditions.
Please consider signing up to the FRA mailing list for status updates and other news of this and future races.
The courses for the 3mile and 5mile races have had to be changed due to the fall of a large tree blocking the river upstream of the club. The details below have been updated to show the revised courses.
Because of all the recent heavy rain it will not be possible to use the field for parking. We will fit as many cars on-site as we can, and have alternative (free) hard-standing parking which marshals at the top of the lane will direct to when this is full.
Please bring PFDs for all paddlers in case these are a requirement on the day, check your boat meets buoyancy requirements, and make sure juniors in particular are appropriately dressed for the cold conditions.
Please consider signing up to the FRA mailing list for status updates and other news of this and future races.
Date: 5 November 2023
Schedule:
9:30 - Check-in opens
10:30 - Check-in closes
11:00 - Race Briefing
11:30 - Start
14:30 - Prize-giving
Distances:
Classes 1-10 - 7 miles - 6 portages
Classes 20-25 - 5 miles - 4 portages
Classes 30-39 - 3 miles - 2 portages
See the main Winter Series page for the list of classes
Schedule:
9:30 - Check-in opens
10:30 - Check-in closes
11:00 - Race Briefing
11:30 - Start
14:30 - Prize-giving
Distances:
Classes 1-10 - 7 miles - 6 portages
Classes 20-25 - 5 miles - 4 portages
Classes 30-39 - 3 miles - 2 portages
See the main Winter Series page for the list of classes
Course:
Portaging:
As stated in the Winter Series Rules, paddlers may receive assistance at portages if they need it (especially, but not limited to, u14s/u12s, and Paddle-Ability paddlers), but
Please remember at all times (and especially when portaging) to be courteous to other river users and respect others' right of way. Follow marshal's directions, remembering that inappropriate behaviour could result in time penalties or disqualification.
As stated in the Winter Series Rules, paddlers may receive assistance at portages if they need it (especially, but not limited to, u14s/u12s, and Paddle-Ability paddlers), but
- helpers must walk only, carrying only the rear end of the boat
- assisted competitors must give way to unassisted competitors
- parents/supporters must not crowd the portage or enable their paddlers to queue-jump
- helpers must use safe lifting & handling techniques - involvement is at your own risk
Please remember at all times (and especially when portaging) to be courteous to other river users and respect others' right of way. Follow marshal's directions, remembering that inappropriate behaviour could result in time penalties or disqualification.
Click photos of portages for larger view. Left/right refers to orientation when heading downstream (Clubhouse is on left bank)
|
|
Southmill Lock / Clubhouse
This is the get-in/get-out at the clubhouse |
|
|
Twyford Lock, upstream side.
All classes portage through. Portage on left above the weir, on the wooden jetty (on right), or to the left of the mouth of the lock. Marshals will be available to give help to those who need it. Use extreme caution when crossing the road. |
|
|
Twyford Lock, downstream side.
Only access is via a well-built landing stage. Marshals will be available to give help to those who need it. |
|
|
Spellbrook Lock.
3-mile course (classes 30-39) will turn before Spellbrook Lock (Turn A). 5-mile course (classes 20-25) and 7-mile course (classes 1-10) portage. Portage on the left. Take care crossing the road. |
|
|
Tednambury Lock.
There is no road access to this lock. We expect to have a marshal present. 5-mile course (classes 20-25): turn here (Turn B). 7-mile course (classes 1-10): portage on the left and continue to Sawbridgeworth Lock (Turn C). |
Race entries:
If you are part of a club team, your Team Leader will place your entry - let them know you would like to enter.
Entries should be made through the Marathon Racing entries system at https://entries.gbcanoemarathon.co.uk/entries.
The online booking system will close just before midnight on Friday 3 November.
Payments for entries are made as cash on the day (alternatively, as cheque made out to Flatwater Racing Association).
Note: All paddlers must be current BC members (personal or Club Associate), or must additionally purchase BC Event Insurance ("Day Ticket" - £5 cash). All boats must be licensed for use on CRT water.
While entries can be made on the day, priority will be given to those who have pre-entered. Also, those who do not bring sufficient evidence of BC membership will be charged for Event Insurance. You are therefore strongly urged to use the online system before it closes.
Please send any queries about entries to Secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk
If you are part of a club team, your Team Leader will place your entry - let them know you would like to enter.
Entries should be made through the Marathon Racing entries system at https://entries.gbcanoemarathon.co.uk/entries.
The online booking system will close just before midnight on Friday 3 November.
Payments for entries are made as cash on the day (alternatively, as cheque made out to Flatwater Racing Association).
Note: All paddlers must be current BC members (personal or Club Associate), or must additionally purchase BC Event Insurance ("Day Ticket" - £5 cash). All boats must be licensed for use on CRT water.
While entries can be made on the day, priority will be given to those who have pre-entered. Also, those who do not bring sufficient evidence of BC membership will be charged for Event Insurance. You are therefore strongly urged to use the online system before it closes.
Please send any queries about entries to Secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk
The Winter Series welcomes Paddle-Ability competitors (those with disability/impairment or long-term disabling illness, whether physical, sensory, or intellectual). The entry system does not collect this information - to be eligible for a "first Paddle-Ability" medal in each class, or to be allowed to "paddle down" to a more suitable age class, the team leader should contact Secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk in advance of the first race of the series that the paddler will attend.
Responsibilities:
- Race Organiser - Joe Fitzpatrick WinterSeries@StortfordCanoe.org.uk
- Safety - Andrew Gurney (07917 062305)
- Welfare & Safeguarding - Mick Hussey (07837 274660)
- First Aid - Anne White (07976 847925)
Safety & Rules:
All participants must be aware that canoeing and kayaking is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. All racers should attend the safety briefing on the day.
It is important to read the safety notes and Race Rules which apply to the whole series - see the main Winter Series page
All participants must be aware that canoeing and kayaking is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. All racers should attend the safety briefing on the day.
It is important to read the safety notes and Race Rules which apply to the whole series - see the main Winter Series page
Location:
Bishops Stortford CC clubhouse, Southmill Lock, River Stort
Bishops Stortford CC clubhouse, Southmill Lock, River Stort
The access lane to the club (a private farm track marked "Styleman's Lane" on some maps) comes off the A1060 (Hallingbury Road).
- When driving southwards from B. Stortford it is on the right just after the "Welcome to Essex" and national speed limit signs
- If you are driving northwards it is on the left immediately after Haigh's yard (formerly Darlington's Aggregates).
Due to the recent wet conditions, the field next to the club cannot be used for parking. Will fit as many visitors onsite as we can, and we have some alternative (free) hard-standing parking that we will direct visitors to once this is full.
If you are bringing trailer, or if you have mobility issues which will affect where you can park, please contact the Race Organiser in advance.
If you are bringing trailer, or if you have mobility issues which will affect where you can park, please contact the Race Organiser in advance.
