Racing Events at Royal 2025

Each year we hold three races at Royal Canoe Club: The Paddling Challenge, the Hasler Marathon and the Sprint Regatta.

Royal Hasler – 15th June

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The Hasler Marathon series sees clubs compete regionally to qualify for the national Hasler final. Qualifying clubs compete in the season finale for the much-prized Hasler Trophy.

Competitors race against people of their own ability – regardless of age or gender – and there is a division for everyone. Division 9 is for those new to racing, whilst international athletes tend to compete in Division 1. You are promoted up divisions (and sometimes demoted down divisions) according to your finish time.

Divisions 1, 2 and 3 compete over a 12 mile course. Divisions 4, 5 and 6 compete over 8 miles. Division 7, 8 and 9 compete over 4 miles where you can compete in K1 or K2 and Division 10 is for U12 year old’s for K1 only.

Royal Canoe Club is part of the London and South East region. Other races in the series are held at Richmond, Elmbridge, Wey, Tonbridge and Maidstone canoe clubs.

The Hasler Series itself is named after Herbert “Blondie” Hasler, who led Operation Frankton, a WW2 commando raid in double kayaks on the port of Bordeaux. The story of this raid was made into a 1955 film, The Cockleshell Heroes.

Sprint Regatta – 19th July

Sprint canoeing is an Olympic sport and the discipline is engrained in the club’s DNA. Our sprint regatta attracts competitors from across the region and is an excellent introduction to sprint racing for juniors and novices, before progressing onto national competitions.

Competitors take on 3 races to test their sprinting skills, featuring a gruelling 1km dash that will test your endurance and speed, a thrilling 200m Aussie knockout where only the swiftest and most strategic will advance, and the chaotic excitement of K4 madness, where teamwork and coordination will be crucial. Each segment will challenge you in unique ways, pushing your limits and showcasing your paddling prowess in a dynamic and competitive atmosphere.

The Paddling Challenge – 11th October

This year marks the 151st anniversary of the oldest canoe race in the World. Held since 1874, The Paddling Challenge is the longest running canoe race in the world. It has been contested by countless Olympians and World Champions over the years. This historic event has been a cornerstone of the paddling community for a century and a half, and this year promises to be more exciting than ever.

Who will be the King and Queen for 2024?

Event Details:

  • Date: 11th October
  • Location: Royal Canoe Club
  • Entry fee:
  • Race Distances:
    • 10k Race: Open Men, Open Women, Juniors (U18), and Veterans.
    • 7.5k Race: For Outriggers and Para-canoes.
    • 5k Race: Open to Juniors (U16).

Prize Money & Awards:

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we are offering fantastic rewards for our senior and junior competitors.

Join Us in Making History:

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a passionate junior, or a dedicated para-athlete, this is your chance to be part of a race steeped in history and tradition. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to compete in the world’s oldest canoe race and possibly take home some amazing prizes! Oh, and there will be a party celebration for afterwards to reward your hard efforts!!!

We look forward to seeing you on the water as we celebrate 151 years of the Paddling Challenge!

Entries will be open closer to the date!