Another year of Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race

A father and son from Newbury tasted victory on the first day of the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, writes Dan Cooper.

The race, which was celebrating its 75th anniversary, takes place every Easter weekend and is the longest non-stop canoe race in the world.

Known as the ‘canoeist’s Everest’, the 125-mile race is considered by many to be one of the toughest endurance events on the planet – so tough that even Olympian Steve Redgrave couldn’t complete it.

Starting in Devizes, the race travels down the Kennet and Avon Canal until it joins the River Thames at Reading, then follows the River Thames to Westminster in the heart of London.

There are five classes within the event – Senior Doubles, Senior Singles, Junior Doubles, Veteran/Junior and Endeavour.

Junior crews and singles race in stages over four days, while senior doubles crews take part in the non-stop race, which includes some running to negotiate numerous locks along the route.

Rob Whitehead and his son Patrick, who are both members of Newbury Canoe Club, won the Veteran/Junior category on day one, finishing six minutes ahead of their nearest competitors.

It meant the pair were victorious as they made their way into their home town of Newbury.

They were agonisingly close to winning the second day too – but their rudder broke and despite managing to climb the safety fence by The Oracle in Reading, the mishap saw them lose by a minute.

Rob Whitehead, who has now taken part in, and completed, three Devizes to Westminster races, said: “It was fantastic to win the first day but gutting to lose the second in the way that we did.

“We were in the lead all day, but it was that issue that cost us.”