Monday, April 09, 2012

The 2012 Devizes to Westminster Race

Along with the University Boat Race, Easter weekend also saw the annual Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race.

This races is 125 miles long and starts in Devizes, near Bath, from where the competitors follow the Kennet and Avon canal until they meet the Thames which takes them into the heart of London (above).

It is a very tough race with 77 portages and the weather didn't help, being grim with grey skies and lots of rain.

There are two categories: those that do it in stages over the long weekend and those crazy brave enough to do it non-stop.

To give an idea of how demanding it is: the non-stop race is the longest in the world and this year even Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave pulled out due to tiredness.

As you might have guessed, it was thought up in a pub.

Big "respect, mate!" to all those to have completed it.

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