Maidstone Winter Series marathon
STATUS UPDATE (Thursday 16/11/23 22:33)
After considering the present river conditions and predicted rainfall the organisers at Maidstone decided that the race must be postponed a week in the interests of safety. If you have already place an entry but now wish to withdraw, please email secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk.
Please consider signing up to the FRA mailing list for status updates and other news of this and future races.
After considering the present river conditions and predicted rainfall the organisers at Maidstone decided that the race must be postponed a week in the interests of safety. If you have already place an entry but now wish to withdraw, please email secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk.
Please consider signing up to the FRA mailing list for status updates and other news of this and future races.
Date: 26 November 2023 **NEW DATE**
Schedule: 10:00 - Check-in opens 11:00 - Check-in closes 11:30 - Race Briefing 12:00 - Start 15:00 - Prize-giving Distances: Classes 1-10 - 9 miles - 2 portages Classes 20-25 - 5 miles - 0 portages Classes 30-39 - 3 miles - 0 portage See the main Winter Series page for the list of classes |
Course:
Class 1-10 to Teston Bridge Return with 2 portages on the long course at East Farleigh Lock (1 up and 1 return)
Class 20 -25 to East Farleigh Lock, turn before the lock, no portage.
Class 30 -39 to Tovil bridge, Start DOWNSTREAM, opposite to the other Classes, paddle to Silver Bridge, turn go up stream as far as Tovil Bridge, turn and cross start finish line at the club..
Class 20 -25 to East Farleigh Lock, turn before the lock, no portage.
Class 30 -39 to Tovil bridge, Start DOWNSTREAM, opposite to the other Classes, paddle to Silver Bridge, turn go up stream as far as Tovil Bridge, turn and cross start finish line at the club..
Portaging:
As stated in the Winter Series Rules, paddlers may receive assistance at portages if they need it (typically u14s/u12s, and Paddle-Ability paddlers), but
As stated in the Winter Series Rules, paddlers may receive assistance at portages if they need it (typically 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
Race entries:
Let your Team Leader know you would like to enter, and find out if they will place your entry or whether you should do it yourself.
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 24 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).
Please send any queries about entries to Secretary@FlatwaterRacing.org.uk
Let your Team Leader know you would like to enter, and find out if they will place your entry or whether you should do it yourself.
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 24 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).
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 - John Simmonds Chairman@maidstonecanoeclub.net
- Safety - Geoff Orford / John Simmonds Membership@maidstonecanoeclub.net
- Welfare & Safeguarding - Catherine Dacey welfare@maidstonecanoeclub.net
- First Aid - Lisa Taylor
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
For this race please note especially:
- Access to the river is normally via steps down to a landing stage. The area above the landing stage is unfenced, please keep children away from this edge.
- Access for the race will be via the slipway.
- Please adhere to requests from the site team and marshals who will guide paddlers to the water.
- Any person on the landing stage must wear a suitable buoyancy aid.
Safety Documents:
Location:
Maidstone CC clubhouse, Mill Meadow, St Peter's Street, Maidstone ME16 0SN
Maidstone CC clubhouse, Mill Meadow, St Peter's Street, Maidstone ME16 0SN
The club shares its site with Freedom Fitness - go through the railway arch from St. Peter's Street and the clubhouse is on the left. There is a numberplate-recognition system in place - you must enter your registration number in the terminal upstairs in the Clubhouse to avoid a parking charge! (See also Maidstone CC website Where We Are)
If you are bringing a trailer please contact the Race Organiser in advance.
We will ask competitors to unload their boats and then park in an adjacent car park.
We will ask competitors to unload their boats and then park in an adjacent car park.