Classes
There are five classes of event, each with its own set of rules.
- Senior Doubles: This is a non-stop race, timed continuously from the moment they start, until either they reach Westminster, or they admit defeat (which accounts for one third of the entries, rising to half in 1998).
- Junior Doubles: Two crew members, completing the course in four stages with overnight stops.
- Junior/Veteran: Two crew members, one who must be a junior, and one who must be over 35, completing the course in four stages with overnight stops. This class was introduced in 1989 to encourage parents to canoe with their children, but most crews which have entered are not related.
- Senior Singles: One person kayaks or canoes, over the same four stages.
- Endeavour: A doubles class held over four stages which is non-competitive.
The stages are as follows:
- Stage 1: Devizes to Newbury (34.5 miles)
- Stage 2: Newbury to Marlow (35.5 miles)
- Stage 3: Marlow to Teddington (37.5 miles)
- Stage 4: Teddington to Westminster (17.5 miles)
Read more about this topic: Devizes To Westminster International Canoe Marathon
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