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Race Rules 

Race Briefing Audio File

Briefing audio file
00:00 / 39:06

Thames200Ultra: Racing Handbook 2024

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Paddle Craft

  • Participants must race in a craft which is propelled solely by a paddle.

  • Competitors can be single or crew boats, both for the Straight Through Race & Team Race

  • Participants either as individuals, in crew boats or as part of a team (when doing a leg on the racecourse) are expected to transport their craft, paddles and compulsory equipment the length of the course, following the route of the River Thames by their own efforts, without help (Unless directed or allowed otherwise by the Race Organisers)  

Under 18's

  • Yes, under 18's can be part of the race, but MUST be part of a Team entry. U18's can not take part in the Thames200Ultra during the hours of darkness. If you are 18 or over on 24th August you can complete the non-stop doubles or individual, or take part in a Team relay during the hours of darkness.

Compulsory Equipment - Kit

  • Buoyancy Aids: Must conform to EN393 or EN 395 or ISO 12402-5 and be of a solid foam construction, clearly displayed on the manufacturers attached label. Must be under 5 years old and fit for purpose. They must not have been tampered with in any way that impacts their performance. All straps and zips must be done up. 

  • Lighting: Participants will need forward and backward facing white lights (not glowsticks) with an arc of 180 degrees in the dark (As declared by the Race organisers). During hours of darkness an activated white/green glowstick must attached to the right shoulder of every paddler’s buoyancy aid. Lights should not be so bright as to dazzle other competitors.

  • Compulsory Emergency Kit: Each paddler is to carry with them:

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  1. Whistle (on a lanyard) attached to buoyancy aid

  2. Additional long sleeved thermal

  3. 300ml of drinking fluid

  4. Large energy bar (250 kcal minimum)

  5. Thermal foil bag (see Lifesystems)

  6. Full charged mobile phone per boat

  7. Spare hand torch for signalling/use at night , able to shine in all directions

  8. Hat/ head covering

 

​Boat buoyancy

All craft must have sufficient buoyancy, that is secure and will allow the craft to float at water level if fully immersed.

Open Canoes must have a dedicated hand bailer along with their boat buoyancy.

Swim​​​

All participants MUST be able to swim minimum of 50m and have the ability to self rescue if you fall out/off the craft you are paddling 

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Lightening

The glorious British summer can throw all different weather conditions at us. Adverse weather conditions can impact the Thames200Ultra. August is generally a consistent month for weather condition, and should deliver great conditions for paddling. However, if we are presented with a thunderstorm and lightening, ALL paddler MUST leave the waters as soon as safely possible and wait for the lightening to stop before continuing with the race.

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