The Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race starts at the Wharf in Devizes, Wiltshire. It finishes 125 miles later just downstream of Westminster Bridge in London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The race has been held annually over the Easter Weekend since 1948. 
Above and below left the start at the Wharf for 1 pair of canoesits in the Easter non - stop race on Saturday April 3rd, 2010 at 7.30 am. Competitors in the non-stop race have to judge their start time depending on how fast they paddle. It is essential that they reach the tidal portion of the Thames when the tide is flowing out. Right is the Wharf Theatre and left Wadhams Brewery. The race is 125 miles long and has 77 portages. The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal, the next 55 miles are on the River Thames and the final section is on the tidal portion of the Thames.The race is a severe test of skill and stamina which produces a memorable sense of achievement for those successfully completing it. The non-stop version of the race is the longest non-stop canoe race in the world. There are 5 classes within the event:  Senior Doubles – crews of 2 adults who race non-stop from start to finish Senior Singles – adult single paddlers who compete over 4 days. Junior Doubles – crews of 2 juniors who compete over 4 days. Veteran / Junior – crews of 1 adult (over 35) and 1 junior who compete over 4 days. Endeavour – a non-competitive doubles class held over 4 days.
Distances in the Race | Location | Miles | Start. The Wharf, Devizes | 00.00 | | All Cannings Bridge | 06.00 | | Pewsey Wharf | 11.75 | | Wooton Rivers | 14.75 | | Crofton (Lock 58) | 18.75 | | Great Bedwyn | 20.75 | | Froxfield (Lock 68) | 23.00 | | Dunmill Lock (75) | 26.50 | | Kintbury | 28.75 | | Hamstead Lock (81) | 31.25 | | Newbury (Car Park) | 34.50 | | End of Day 1 | | | Thatcham Station | 38.00 | | Woolhampton | 41.00 | | Aldermaston Wharf | 43.00 | | Burghfield Bridge | 49.25 | | County Lock, CLOSED | 52.50 | | Blakes Lock, CLOSED | 53.25 | | Kennet Mouth | 53.80 | | Sonning Lock | 56.00 | | Shiplake Lock | 59.00 | | Marsh Lock | 61.50 | | Hurley | 67.25 | | Marlow Lock | 70.00 | | End of Day 2 | | | Cookham Bridge | 73.75 | | Boutlers Lock | 76.00 | | Boveney Lock | 81.00 | | Romney Lock | 83.50 | | Old Windsor Lock | 86.75 | | Runnymede (Bell) | 88.00 | | Chertsey Lock | 95.50 | | Shepperton Lock | 97.50 | | Sunbury :Lock | 101.25 | | Molesey Lock | 103.50 | | Teddington Lock | 108.25 | | End of Day 3 | | | Richmond Bridge | 110.75 | | Kew Bridge | 114.00 | | Barnes Railway Bridge | 116.10 | | Putney Bridge | 119.75 | | Battersea Bridge | 122.10 | | Vauxhall Bridge | 124.00 | | Finish Westminster Bridge | 125.00 |
Below the Plaque to commerate the 60 th year of the DW race; at the bridge on the Wharf Below just before the finish at Westminster Bridge. 
 Above putting into the water and paddling up to the start - April 2nd 2010.Below a kayak pair training in March 2010 for the DW race Below Getting ready and meeting up. April 2nd 2010 at 7 am | 
