Category: News

2013 West Wight Quad Confirmed

Admin

The West Wight Quad will take place on Sunday  30th June 2013, the distances will be Swim 600metres (pool); Mountain Bike 12miles; Sea Kayak to the Needles 6nm; Run 4.5k.

Update from Mike Rayden. Organiser  

We decided just before Christmas to hold the second West Wight Quadrathlon so despite packing for a trip to see family in OZ and preparing for Christmas we decided on a date for the Quad and announced it on our website and told the BQA. To our delight we have been asked to be part of the BQA series for 2013! and we also had our first two entries on the website.

So now we start advertising the event to hopefully, this year, reach our entry limit of 30 competitors. Whilst the event is technically hard in the mountain bike and sea kayaking stages because the swim (indoor pool) and the run (short and flat) are easy, it is suitable for less experienced Quadrathletes.  Also being able to hire a sea kayak and /or a mountain bike locally (see our partners) could suit and make life easier for some competitors.

This is only a preliminary notice. Futher details will follow from West Wight Sports Centre.

IOW Adventure Activities, Sea kayak and transport details http://isleofwightadventureactivities.co.uk/

Wight Cycle Hire http://www.wightcyclehire.co.uk/

Mike Rayden. Organiser   01983761371 ( afternoons)

 

World Cup Races & Championships 2013

Admin

The WQF have been working hard during the past few months to put together a brilliant race schedule for the WQF Quadrathlon World Cup 2013. The coordination of the races is not that easy and really time consuming – but 2013 promises a lot of excitement and adventure in the various international Quadrathlon races.

IBIZA, ESP 4th  May – The World Cup is traditionally opened up by a Quadrathlon (middle distance) on the Spanish island of Ibiza,  although the information in the run-up to the event is often sparse, the organizer Pepe Ribas ensures the best care on location for every athlete. The  competition offers the possibility to be combined with a small training camp too.

BRIGG BOMBER  GB, 26th May – The next stop for the World Cup will be Brigg in England. Same as last year, the European Championships over the middle distance will take place in Brigg on the 26th of May. The organizers of the Lincsquad-community offer a great competition, which will certainly be one of the highlights of the season.

OBERPFALZER SEENLAND, GER  2nd June – Only one week later, another middle distance will take place at the Steinberger See in Germany. The Upper Palatinate region offers not only a picturesque landscape, but also a race at the highest stage. Located near to the Czech border, the competition site is easy to be reached by athletes coming from the neighbouring countries.

BALATON, HUN  8th June – After a long time in history, its good to have a World Cup race represented in Hungary. Near to the famous Lake Balaton, another middle distance will take place. The date will be Saturday, 8th of June. However, depending on the conditions on the lake (concerning the kayak-part), the organizer reserves the possibility to change race-day from Saturday to Sunday.

TYN nad VLTAVOU, CZ  22nd June  – The first sprint distance can be found on the agenda: in Tyn nad Vltavou in the Czech Republic. The traditional event receives a special honour this year with the organization of the World Championship over the sprint distance, which will certainly be a further highlight of the season.

SAMORIN, SLOVAKIA 3rd August – An exciting race is also expected on the 3rd of August, when the European Championships over the sprint distance will be held in the Slovakian Šamorín. Next to Bratislava, the young organization team has provided a fantastic event in the last two years and has much going for the European Championships, too.

POLSKAMAN WOLSZTYN, POL, 17th August -A world premiere is going to take place in Wolsztyn (Poland) next year, as the World Cup schedule lists the PolskaMan as a Quadrathlon middle distance on 17th of August. The WQF is very pleased about this race, because the organizer is very professional in the run-up to the event. The race will be interesting, especially for German and Czech athletes, because Wolsztyn is suited only 100 and 200 km respectively from the German and Czech border.

With regret the WQF has to accept the decision of the organizer Václav Marek: in 2013 there will be no Quadrathlon in Sedlcany (Czech Republic). Lack of sponsors and increasing regulatory burdens weight the organisation of a quadrathlon. Looking ahead to 2014, the WQF hopes that this is not a final decision. The World Championships will now take place in Ratscher.

 World Championships – RATSCHER, GER 31st August – The races in Ratscher have always been superbly organized, it’s such a wonderful venue! The WQF are looking forward to this big highlight in the World Quadrathlon callender.

VELENCE, HUN  7th September – The World Cup will make a second stop in Hungary, this time on a long distance – the first since 2010. Once again, it remains to be seen whether the race will take place on Saturday or Sunday (depending on the conditions on the lake). Furthermore, it is still unclear if this long distance can even be a World Championship – this detail is depending on the organizers’ will to pay prize money. The final decision will be made by the end of January.

AWESOME FOURSOME BUDE, GB 14th September – Finally promises to be a grand finale of the World Cup 2013. In Cornwall a demanding middle distance is waiting for the athletes: steep climbs and difficult trails need to be overcome. However, the beautiful countryside with a lovely sea sight makes up for all the hardships.

For all international championship races the organizers have committed themselves to paying prize money so that as many good athletes as possible will participate.

During the WQF Congress in November, also a slight modification of the World Cup concerning the points in each race was decided. For international championship races and the last World Cup race of the season the points are enhanced by 20 points for each place. For example: instead of 100 points for the 1st place, the winner gets 120 points and the 30th receives 21 points instead of only 1 single point. This will help to design the championships even more attractive and the battle for the World Cup will remain a bit longer open to changes. Furthermore, it is ensured that in the last race of the season as many athletes as possible are standing at the starting line in order to have a condign celebration ceremony for the overall World Cup. The rule that a maximum of 4 races come in the final rating with up to two results from one country was confirmed.

Another point that has been changed were the age requirements for single entry in longer Quadrathlon distances. Although the WQF still recommends that longer distances are only attempted by adult athletes, younger athletes can take part in longer distances if they can show a written parental consent. The age categories for the Masters in 10-year steps was confirmed once again.

In the end, the WQF asks all athletes to register early for the competitions. By registering as soon as possible, you help the event hosts to organize a well-planned race – only then, a great competition can take place!

For more World Cup Information visit the website http://www.quadrathlon.com/index.htm

The WQF wishes all athletes an injury-free preparation and is looking forward to exciting competitions in 2013!

Regards

Stefan Teichert, WQF Executive Board

Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon 2013

Admin

The entries have been opened for the Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon 2013 organised by Lincsquad.

The date has been brought forward to the bank holiday weekend of Sunday 26th May, so that the event can become even bigger & better. This has meant that the North Lincs Challenge has been suspended for 2013, last year we saw very low entries for the challenge and although not an easy decision we have decided that we must put all our focus & attentions into building the Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon for the future.

The Brigg Bomber will once again be the British Quadrathlon Championships and BQA National Trophy Series race, as well as a WQF World Cup series race.

We are also pleased to also inform you that the Brigg Bomber has also been awarded the status of European Quadrathlon Championships 2013, thanks to our new sponsors Keyo Agricultural Services we are also able to confirm a total prize fund of 500 euro’s for the European Championships.

Although the race has increased its profile & status it is still very welcoming of newcomers to the sport of quadrathlon, either as solo, team or for the first time in 2013 as a corporate team.

The Corporate team can be made up of 2, 3 or 4 members of the same company, the winning corporate team will not only be awarded the corporate trophy but each winning team member will receive free entries to the Brigg Sprint Triathlon in September, now that’s an incentive !

If you have any queries regarding this event please email events@lincsquad.co.uk

So get training, get your entry in and see you in May.

2012 Fabian4 Conwy Mountain Triathlon

Admin

Congratulations to all that braved the weather and took part in the Fabian4 Mountain Triathlon. It was a new race in our Quadrathlon Calendar for 2012, and run by group of athletes in the Conwy Valley who have formed themselves into a club.

I have had a note from Mark Pryor (BQA Chairman) saying what a fantastic and well organised race it was, a very hard race in fairly harsh weather, but it made it more enjoyable. It was well planned and organised by a team of professional volunteers that new their stuff. Well done to Ellie Sailsbury and her Team, for putting on an excellent race.

Congratulations to Winner Ian Smith 3.22.16, followed by Steve King in 2nd 3.26.35 and Michael Mason in 3rd 3.27.31.

Well done to the Ladies 1st Rebecca Cook 4.34.53, 2nd Alex Durran 4.41.48, 3rd Caroline Willson 5.30.22

First team ‘Wedgies’ Stephen Jones, Marc Reeves, and Amanda Wilde 3.28.14 in 4th overall place.

The race involved an open estuary 13k kayak leg (with tide), followed by a c.12 -16k fell run & finishing with a c.15k MTB leg. The Kayak leg start is at Morfa Conwy, & the event centre & Run/MTB transition are at Nant Conwy Rugby Club (which has excellent facilities), near Trefriw.

This is great News for Quadrathlon and its great to have this new race affiliated to the BQA, in this very picturesque Conwy Valley, North Wales. We look forward to having it in our callender next season.

See Mark Pryor’s ‘true to life race encounter’ – previous post!

Full results below

http://www.map17events.org.uk/

Name Club 1 – Kayak 2 – Run 3 – MTB Overall
Ian Smith Monmouth tri 00:50:53 (3rd) 01:25:13 (5th) 01:04:41 (4th) 03:22:16 (1st)
Steve King Hereford Kayak Club 00:50:23 (2nd) 01:31:55 (12th) 01:02:55 (3rd) 03:26:35 (2nd)
Michael Mason Durham City 00:46:47 (1st) 01:27:34 (9th) 01:11:15 (15th) 03:27:31 (3rd)
Wedgies StephenJones MarcReeves AmandaWilde Unattached 01:00:01 (4th) 01:20:35 (2nd) 01:06:42 (9th) 03:28:14 (4th)
ChairmansCh DanCollister DafyddRoberts SianRoberts Unattached 01:11:16 (18th) 01:22:02 (3rd) 01:05:10 (5th) 03:39:21 (5th)
Tues PascaleEichenmuller AshleyWager BrianRobbins Eryri Harriers 01:02:31 (5th) 01:26:44 (8th) 01:17:54 (24th) 03:47:48 (6th)
James Tedham Unattached 01:03:45 (7th) 01:29:53 (10th) 01:14:22 (18th) 03:49:00 (7th)
Pinch DavidPinches JennyWilliamson MichaelPinches Eryri Harriers 01:12:35 (19th) 01:34:10 (19th) 01:02:01 (1st) 03:49:21 (8th)
Ben Beachell Eryri Harriers 01:07:32 (9th) 01:32:42 (14th) 01:08:13 (11th) 03:49:44 (9th)
Clive Hartfall Unatached 01:08:36 (12th) 01:36:11 (22nd) 01:02:42 (2nd) 03:49:57 (10th)
Team Broatch KathBroatch DaveBroatch BarneyBroatch Unattached 01:13:12 (20th) 01:33:44 (17th) 01:06:29 (7th) 03:53:58 (11th)
Owain Arwel Elias Unattached 01:09:23 (13th) 01:31:04 (11th) 01:12:51 (17th) 03:54:31 (12th)
Team 51 KamalaSen AdrianWilliams ChrisGash Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers 01:23:25 (30th) 01:16:06 (1st) 01:17:00 (23rd) 03:57:47 (13th)
Sean McKeag NYP Tri 01:09:45 (14th) 01:35:18 (21st) 01:11:14 (14th) 03:58:56 (14th)
Prospects SimonOwen LouiseEmeryJones PhilipOwen Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers 01:16:21 (25th) 01:34:35 (20th) 01:09:42 (13th) 04:01:27 (15th)
Peter M W Jones Unattached 01:07:36 (10th) 01:34:03 (18th) 01:19:29 (27th) 04:03:31 (16th)
Phil Holden Shrewsbury Mountaineering Club 01:14:10 (21st) 01:33:32 (16th) 01:14:26 (19th) 04:04:22 (17th)
Mark Pryor Quadrac Racing 01:08:31 (11th) 01:41:27 (26th) 01:15:13 (21st) 04:07:07 (18th)
Paul O’Sullivan Unattached 01:03:27 (6th) 01:41:19 (25th) 01:18:52 (26th) 04:07:19 (19th)
The Sweets MeganGriffiths DaveOpenshaw NickLowe Unattached 01:29:58 (33rd) 01:33:26 (15th) 01:06:38 (8th) 04:10:58 (20th)
S-A ChristopherWright LouLawrence RayWood Unattached 01:04:42 (8th) 01:47:26 (30th) 01:22:17 (31st) 04:15:11 (21st)
Jonathan Edwards White Peak 01:17:32 (27th) 01:52:49 (32nd) 01:05:51 (6th) 04:17:51 (22nd)
Martin Land Unattached 01:11:09 (17th) 01:52:19 (31st) 01:14:53 (20th) 04:20:23 (23rd)
Robert Glaze Unattached 01:14:41 (23rd) 01:37:36 (23rd) 01:25:27 (34th) 04:22:13 (24th)
Craig Jones Eryri Harriers 01:36:25 (35th) 01:26:08 (6th) 01:18:00 (25th) 04:23:09 (25th)
Nant  PRP PennyWingfield RobDuncalfe DewiJones Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers 01:22:52 (29th) 01:44:33 (28th) 01:15:17 (22nd) 04:23:50 (26th)
Paul Belcher Atlantic College 01:10:18 (16th) 01:43:28 (27th) 01:29:03 (35th) 04:24:34 (27th)
Togaag.. AndySummerton SteveJones ClaireDallimore Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers 01:50:45 (38th) 01:26:15 (7th) 01:07:46 (10th) 04:25:23 (28th)
Formidables AnthonyHolden PamelaMorris LisaDraper Unattached 01:16:49 (26th) 01:32:04 (13th) 01:36:46 (38th) 04:26:36 (29th)
Team Whitt JamesWhittaker JudithJones SionHarlow Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers 01:14:17 (22nd) 02:03:09 (35th) 01:09:01 (12th) 04:27:18 (30th)
Gareth Smith Unattached 01:19:17 (28th) 01:45:50 (29th) 01:21:59 (30th) 04:28:41 (31st)
Warrick Ben Unattached 01:10:04 (15th) 01:38:35 (24th) 01:40:27 (40th) 04:31:29 (32nd)
Rebecca Cook Unattached 01:15:27 (24th) 01:53:23 (33rd) 01:24:04 (32nd) 04:34:53 (33rd)
Paul Jones Eryri Harriers 02:02:59 (39th) 01:25:10 (4th) 01:11:36 (16th) 04:41:40 (34th)
Nefyn Williams Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers 01:27:34 (32nd) 01:59:59 (34th) 01:29:28 (36th) 05:01:31 (35th)
Mike Jamison Unattached 01:39:35 (36th) 02:05:06 (36th) 01:30:51 (37th) 05:18:39 (36th)
Caroline Wilson Unattached 01:35:51 (34th) 02:11:12 (37th) 01:38:04 (39th) 05:30:22 (37th)
Rod Martindale Dallam 01:45:51 (37th)
Alex Durran Unattached 01:26:23 (31st) 01:24:49 (33rd)
Canix#1 SarahHarwood ClaireWilliams JamesHarwood Canix 01:19:54 (28th)
Canix#2 JohnKennedy DawnCrookRichards DaveCrook Canix 01:20:05 (29th)

The race involved an open estuary 13k kayak leg (with tide), followed by a c.12 -16k fell run & finishing with a c.15k MTB leg. The Kayak leg start is at Morfa Conwy, & the event centre & Run/MTB transition are at Nant Conwy Rugby Club (which has excellent facilities), near Trefriw. This is great News for Quadrathlon and its great to have a new race in this very picturesque Conwy Valley, North Wales. We look forward to having it in our callender next season.

 

2012 Training Weekend and AGM

Admin

STOP PRESS … Training Weekend and AGM …. Open to Everyone

17th and 18th November at National Watersports Centre, Nottingham.

Meet at 10.00am at the regatta lake, remember you need buoyancy aids and lake fee (£7 approx). Kayak Training sessions to be arranged and informal bike and runs if wanted. Saturday evening Meal out at a local pub followed by AGM. Camping available at Centre’s campsite or accommodation in the Waters sports Centre. More details to follow, keep an eye on the BQA facebook page for more updates!

 

 

 

 

2012 National Trophy Champions

Admin

Bude Awesome Foursome was a fitting end to our 2012 National Trophy Series, a great race, well organised with a top quality field of athletes, and perfect race conditions due to the fantastic weather on Cornish coast!

This season 70 male and 20 female athletes took part in the series, it was great to see plenty of first timers, we hope they enjoyed their quad experiance and will be back for more next season! Trophies are awarded each year, provided each winner has done 3 races in the series, and must be a current BQA Member. Congratulations to the 2012 winners

Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy Male Mat Stevenson – Female Jean Ashley

Vet 40 Male Phil Binch – Vet 40 Female Alison Deykin

Vet 50 Male Peter Chappill

Juniors (U23) Tom Stead, and he was also presented with the Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy awarded each year ‘For Endeavor’ given to an athlete showing his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of Quadrathlon.

Full National Trophy Results  2012 Trophy Results

 

2012 Box End Quadrathlon

Admin

Congratulations to Winners of the Box End Quad, that took part on 5th August. Matt Stephenson won the Mens overall and Vet 40 (1.38.06), very closly followed by Adam Norfolk (1.38.33). Russell Brayer won the Mens vet 50, whilst the young Tom Stead came 5th overall winning the U23. (1.41.42).

In the Ladies Roz Giles won convincingly (2.00.10), with Sarah Roger in 2nd (2.07.43) with Alison Deykin in 3rd (2.13.36)

Race report from Mark Pryor

Sunday morning dawned with a thin vale of mist covering the lakes at Box End as the sun broke through the darkness to make ideal race conditions, even the wind had abated from the previous day.

27 athletes lined up [in the lake] for the Quad and 17 for the Tri for the swim start in the cable tow lake. Matt Chandler was the first out of the water after the 750m swim followed by Matt Stephenson 50 seconds later. After a quick dash in to transition to remove the wet suits and grab the paddles before starting on the 4.4km kayak leg. Adam Norfolk soon showed his special field by gaining any lost ground and paddling skilfully to take the lead. The two portages [between the two lakes] took a few people by surprise as they struggled to get their varied craft over the spit of land, most wishing they had a light K1 racer. Young Tom Stead also put in a good time, much to Matt’s surprise by overtaking him.

Off the water and in to transition again it was time to put on the helmets and wheel out the bikes for the start of the 3 lap [15KM] off- road bike course. This short but surprisingly gruelling circuit was to prove as tough as ever. There were a few frills and spills on the corners as people under estimated the damp grass conditions. The top 6 bike splits were very close but it was young Tom who posted the fastest by about 30 seconds.

It was now all down to the final 5KM run, around the same circuit as the bikes. This is where Matt Stephenson came into his own and set about closing the gap between him and the lead contenders. It was a close finish with Matt crossing the line first in a time of 1:38:06 followed 27 seconds later by Adam Norfolk. Roz Giles was the first lady home after posting some consistent times throughout the four disciplines. Young Tom [sweet 16] came home in fourth overall.

All in all a great race was had by all with some good times posted. All seemed to enjoy themselves, even the nervous first timers. Big thanks to all the helpers and marshals who made the race possible.

Mark Pryor Quadrac Racing

Full results Box End Quad 2012 results.

 

2012 Double IronMan – Our Quadrathlete Superstar!

Admin

Double IronMan Gorilla Unleashed

Congratulations to Quadrathlete Phil Binch who has completed the Double Enduroman in 29 hours and 49 minutes, the race consisted of a 4.8m swim, 232 miles in the saddle for the cycle ride and then finishing with a 52 mile run. Finishing in an amazing 7th place out of 40 athletes! Phil has the support of his family (Sarah & Georgie) and Lincsquadders (Dobber Family & Steve Clark). These are a few photos of his amazing journey, taken by his support crew via twitter

6:00am – Winds gone, breakfast here we come!  from @offthatcouch

6:30am – More food…. @philbinch (aka @mrsbinchy)

8:22am – Final preparation and wetsuit on, soon be time!!! from @D088ER

8:53am – Soon be time to unleash the Gorilla…. from @D088ER

9:04am – Start….. they are off, 39 competitors start the double!! (@se7enuk presumes!)

9:18am – Lap 4 done!! @D088ER
9:20am – Phil Binch is in 5th spot after 20 minutes of swimming, Deke Thompson (GrimsbyTri) is current leading. from @offthatcouch

9:46am – Lap 9 done 41:30, still at 4:40 pace and looking good. via @D088ER

10:15am – Second Stop, 12 laps done and 14 to go. via @D088ER

10:53am – Deke Thompson 1st out of water in 1hr 51m from @offthatcouch

11:26am – Phil Binch out of the water and on schedule in 8th place – via @D088ER

11:49am – Phil Binch now out on leg 2 in 2hrs 45m – via @D088ER

12:29pm – 1st lap on bike done in 38 mins, only another 19 laps to go. – via @offthatcouch

12:53pm – Pit Stop!!!

3:29pm – Out on course with Phil Binch.

5:41pm – Looks like he’s enjoying himself… Keep it going mate. Looking good! – via @D088ER

6:13pm – Support Crew – via @mrsdobber

7:14pm – Half way on the bike done (ironman distance) total race time of 10 hours 12 minutes currently in 10th – via @mrsbinchy

8:14pm – Feed time for support crew.

10:22pm – It’s getting dark…

10:39pm – Phil Binch has now been going 13.37 hours and its time for the mini support crew to get some shut eye!!

10:53pm – Support crew keep fluids topped up.

11:41pm – 170 miles done on the bike and a rice pudding stop.

2:56am – Last lap for @philbinch on his little enduroman!!! Only a quick 52 mile run next!

3:54am – The Gorilla has started his run.

5:40am – Aproaching 21 hours racing is in 9th position Still going strong

7:41am – 20miles into the run.

9:04am – 24 hours of racing and still another marathon to run.

9:23am – Time for a change of clothes – via @mrsdobber

10:01am – Lap 26 of 48 and still going strong – via @d088er

11:28am – Looking awesome…

12:17pm – 12 laps top go, only a half marathon left to do. – via D088ER

12:34pm – @philbinch and Ian Tosh battling for 7th and 8th position Phil has him at the moment by 50 metres come on Phil #DIM #Lincsquad 11 laps to go – @offthatcouch

12:51pm – @philbinch puts another 100 metres into Ian Tosh now 150m lead.

1:03pm – We are officially into single figures! 8 plus one glory lap to go

2:50pm – Only a few hundred metres to go………

2:59pm – Phil comes across the finish line in 29 hours and 49 minutes. He is the Gorilla of all Gorillas and now will be known as King Kong. Well done Phil.

2012 New Trophy Race Shrewsbury Quad!

Admin

Shrewsbury Triathlon 2nd September 2012

Due to the cancellation of the eXtreme5 Quad the BQA have added this Sprint Distance Quad to our National Trophy Series it is Race no 5, the week before the final Race in Bude.

The majestic town of Shrewsbury welcomes you to the staging of its Triathlon and Quadrathlon. The Triathlon now in its second year, has adapted to your needs and will include family events as well. In collaboration with SYTri and  Shrewsbury Masters , the event provides a unique river swim, then Kayak, followed by fast stretches of cycling on country lanes and a lovely run taking in the River Severn.

The event is held at the Shropshire and West Midlands Showground and offers plenty of parking, toilets and other facilities. Full information – Race Pack

Event Information – Shrewsbury Sprint Triathlon and Quadrathlon
Sunday 2nd September 2012
Venue: West Mids Show Ground, Berwick Rd, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

The event is an Open Water Sprint Triathlon and a Quadrathon event both being held on the same day.

The distances are; Triathlon: 500m Swim/23km Cycle (undulating)/5km Run.
Cost: £30 BTF Members £33 Non BTF Members
(300 entries, closing date 8th August)

Quadrathlon: 500m Swim/5km Kayak/23km Cycle (undulating) / 5km Run
Cost: £35 all participants
(50 entries, closing date 26th August)

 

 

2012 Devizes to Westminster Race

Admin
Quadrathlete Jean Ashley, along with K2 partner Tamsin Phipps has just completed the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon, the longest non-stop canoe marathon in the world – 125 miles with 76 portages! Her story …….
Ive just about got all the kit clean, sleep deprivation back, and finally feel like eating food again … after a bit of an epic DW …..a journey I had planned and visualised for ages, but didn’t quite go as expected!
Our trip was certainly an adventure, all started very well good weather conditions no wind and drizzle, and going to schedule until…….. a hold up at the long tunnel a slow moving barge took 21mins to clear the 1 mile tunnel …… we got a bit cold but carried on no problems at all. Everyone has dark times and I had mine at about 50 miles, I went through a sick stage…… but just drank and drank and soon pulled out of it. We pulled back all our lost tunnel time by Marlow (70 miles), and moved back into the lead in Vet female catagory (3rd in ladies overall and 3rd in century caagory … ages adding up to a 100, not really sure if I should own up to that one!) … so feeling great and both moving into the night strong and positive! The night was warm and dry but the lack of flow made the Thames feel like paddling through mud, especially building the momentum back up after each portage, the portages were very high so getting in and out was rather tough too, but we were still going to hit the tide 2hrs in so all was fine we were ‘on schedule’. I was getting very excited about the tideway and had already started visualising famous bridges and the Westminster steps …… How wrong was I?
Then going down from Molesy to Teddington (107miles), completely out of the blue Tamsin started to have back pain and stomach cramps. We were just pulling into ‘Royals canoe club’ (400mbeforeTeddington Rollers) for our spraydecks and camel backs and Tamsin cramped up and capsized the boat, we got ourselves together and got back in thinking she was fine ……. anyway pulled out ofTeddington and same happened again….. we went for another swim!
We gave her some food and liquid and a good talking too and she decided she was fine to carry on …….. I don’t know how I kept her going for 10 miles but by the time we got to Hammersmith Bridge she was just leaning on the back of the boat not able to sit up and paddle …… I was struggling to keep the boat going but with only 7 miles to go ….. and being two very ‘stubborn old birds’ ….neither wanted to give up. We pulled over to the side and we lifted her out of the boat thinking she would be ok after a breather …… our support crew said it was too dangerous for us to get back in ….. not finishing the race was never an option so I had to get to the finish somehow ….. so we walked to the finish carrying the K2!
It took us 3hrs to walk 8 miles in, we made a sling to carry the boat out of roof rack straps, Tamsin had to be supported both sides by our support crew, she showed true grit to keep going ….. we even stoped at Costa next to Harrods for a latte … anything to keep her walking!
It was very emotional and I felt so disappointed seeing our vet ladies lead slip away ……… but when you start on the DW journey you never know what’s going to happen, I didn’t expect 119 mile paddle, 7 mile hike and a bit of swimming!!! But we did it ……. and had a wonderful reception at Westminster their were plenty of tears when we got our medals!
It wasTamsins 25th Anniversay since she did her first DW, so I had NO OPTION to get her to the finish line …… she’s just got one more DW to do and she’ll become a member of the 1000 mile club (thats 8DW’s or more)……… so looks like she’ll be out their again …….. and Ive only got another 6 to do!!!!
Our time was 27h 25m 49s we came 5th/12 ladies teams 2nd/6 vet ladies …. and 5th/12 century catagory.

The DW always brings up memorable stories of achievement and sometimes of epic failure, but that is the challenge of the DW Marathon. It made me realise to get to the finish no mater what absolutely epitomises the spirit of the event, that’s everyones dream ‘to be added to that finishers list and to be part of the DW Folklore!

‘