Leighton Buzzard Winter Series marathon
Any changes to the date or arrangements for this race will be posted here.
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28/1/23 13:00 - Race postponed due to persistent ice on the Grand Union Canal
1/2/23 16:50 - New race date 5 Feb confirmed
Sign up to the mailing list to be alerted to updates.
28/1/23 13:00 - Race postponed due to persistent ice on the Grand Union Canal
1/2/23 16:50 - New race date 5 Feb confirmed

Date: 5 February 2023 - CONFIRMED NEW DATE
Schedule:
10:00 - Check-in opens
11:15 - Race Briefing
12:00 - Start
15:00 - Prize-giving (for the day and the series)
Distances:
Group 1 (classes 6-9) - 8 miles - 2 portages
Group 2 (classes 2-5) - 6 miles - 2 portages
Group 3 (classes 1, blue, red, GP, yellow) - 4 miles - 0 portages
Schedule:
10:00 - Check-in opens
11:15 - Race Briefing
12:00 - Start
15:00 - Prize-giving (for the day and the series)
Distances:
Group 1 (classes 6-9) - 8 miles - 2 portages
Group 2 (classes 2-5) - 6 miles - 2 portages
Group 3 (classes 1, blue, red, GP, yellow) - 4 miles - 0 portages
Course:
Select a course map below to enlarge, or download a PDF of all three courses
Portaging:
Paddlers may receive assistance at portages if they need it (typically u14s/u12s, GPs and Paddle-Ability paddlers), but
Paddlers may receive assistance at portages if they need it (typically u14s/u12s, GPs 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
Race entries:
If you are part of a club team, your Team Leader will place your entry. Registered Team Leaders and Independent paddlers should send race entries to Secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk by 6 pm Friday (amendments by 6pm Saturday).
To register as a Team Leader or Independent paddler for the current series, see the WS Registration page.
If you are part of a club team, your Team Leader will place your entry. Registered Team Leaders and Independent paddlers should send race entries to Secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk by 6 pm Friday (amendments by 6pm Saturday).
To register as a Team Leader or Independent paddler for the current series, see the WS Registration page.
Responsibilities:
- Race Organiser - Nigel Dixon raceorganiser@lbcc.org.uk
- Safety Officer - Steve Oxtoby
- Welfare Officer - Fiona Barber
Safety Notes:
All participants must be aware that canoeing and kayaking is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk.
General safety notes and Race Rules which apply to the whole series can be found on 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.
- Risk Assessments: Main RA (PDF download)* and Kitchen RA (PDF download)
- Safety Plan (PDF download)
General safety notes and Race Rules which apply to the whole series can be found on the main Winter Series page
Refreshments:
There will be BBQ, cakes and hot and cold drinks available to buy, as well as the usual paddlers' food.
There will be BBQ, cakes and hot and cold drinks available to buy, as well as the usual paddlers' food.
Location:
Leighton Buzzard CC, Cedars School, Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2AE.
Leighton Buzzard CC, Cedars School, Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2AE.
Free car parking is available at the rear of Cedars School or in the Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre car park. Marshals will be present.