Enter Here: https://entries.gbcanoemarathon.co.uk/entries/72

Richmond Hasler Marathon 2021

Date                Sunday  22nd August  2021

Venue             Ham Street Car Park, Richmond upon Thames, TW10 7RS

Race Rules

This event will be run under the Marathon Racing Rules. Please also note the following clarifications and additional requirements.

Starts

Competitors are expected to be familiar with the MRC guidelines on race starts and must adhere to all instructions given by the start and pre-start marshals.

In the event of non-compliance with this rule competitors will be requested to leave the water and must paddle away from the start line and not attempt to join the race at a later stage.

Retirements

All competitors who fail to finish must report to a Marshal and inform them of their boat number and the fact that they have retired.

Briefing

All competitors must attend the race briefing on the day, where up to date course information, hazards and obstructions will be made available, in addition to reading this briefing document.

Buoyancy Aids

Due to the location of the course on the tidal Thames, buoyancy aids are compulsory for the following groups

  • All paddlers ranked in Division 7, 8 and 9 irrespective of the race entered, age category and whether in singles or doubles
  • All junior paddlers (under 18 on 1st January preceding the race) with the exception of paddlers ranked in Division 6 and above where the paddler’s Team Leader or parent/guardian has provided a written confirmation that a buoyancy aid need not be worn

The race organisers may require that all or some or all paddlers in addition to the above must wear buoyancy aids, based on conditions on the day. In this regard the race organisers’ decision is final.

It is the responsibility of all other paddlers and their team leaders to decide if they should wear a buoyancy aid according to the conditions on the day, and given the information presented in any pre-race information or briefing.

Any paddler who is required to wear a buoyancy aid as above but who is found on the water not to be doing so will be immediately disqualified.

Medical Conditions

Competitors (or for junior paddlers their parents/guardians) and team leaders must bring to the race organisers’ attention any known medical conditions that may adversely affect the safety of a competitor.

In the event that the organisers deem that we are unable to put suitable control measures in place to control any additional risks we reserve the right to refuse the entry and refund any monies paid.

Boat Buoyancy

Boats must contain sufficient buoyancy to remain afloat and support the crew in rough water in the event of a capsize.

Sandwich construction boats are not presumed to have sufficient inherent buoyancy and must carry additional foam or other non-porous buoyant material. Closed and watertight compartments built in by the original manufacturer may be accepted at the organisers’ discretion but all boats must have adequate buoyancy at both ends.

Marshals may inspect boats at any time for adequate buoyancy. The penalty for any non-compliant boat is disqualification of the crew.

Supporters

The rollers at Teddington lock are not accessible to supporters – please use the lock cut above the lock.

Please park considerately on nearby roads. Support crews must adhere to all relevant local parking restrictions, notices and requests by police officers, Environment Agency officials and lock keepers and any breach of this rule may lead to disqualification of crews.

Littering

Disposable drinks bags or any other items of personal kit must not be discarded anywhere on the course or the race site. The penalty for non-compliance with this rule whether by the competitor or their support crew is immediate disqualification.

Important Safety Notes

Please use this telephone number to report retirements or any emergencies on the day – 07449 399 436. Please do not use this for any other purposes.

The race organisers reserve the right to CANCEL the event up to and including on the day in the case of incident, emergency or conditions. We will do our best to notify team leaders but please check the website for the latest information.

Should circumstances require the ABANDONMENT of the race whilst in progress, the following procedure will apply and will be strictly adhered to:

  • Crews on hearing continuous short blasts on air horns and/or seeing marshals waving red flags will immediately STOP. They will wait to be instructed on how and where to proceed by a marshal. Crews must be aware that other crews may not have heard or seen the warnings, and must pass on instructions received to any such crew who they see still racing.
  • Depending on crews’ locations, whether or not the Race has started and the number of crews still being marshalled, they may be asked to either paddle to a specified get-out point, or turn towards one of the banks and await further instructions.

Competitors should be aware that the River Thames can be busy with pleasure cruisers, rowers and other craft. Competitors must be mindful of these and other hazards. Competitors must follow all instructions given by Port of London Authority crew, Thames Lock Keepers, Environment Agency Officials and Race Marshals.

Below Teddington Lock the river is semi-tidal and experiences two tides a day. As a consequence this may make portages and banks slippery. Care should be taken while getting in and out and when carrying boats.

Competitors must provide support to any other paddler in distress and should attempt to raise the attention of one of the safety boats or Marshals along the course.

The Tidal Thames can experience sudden increases in pollution, especially after heavy rainfall. Any paddler who feels ill after the race should draw this to the attention of their medical practitioner.

Canoeing and Kayaking in all its forms is an ‘Assumed Risk – Water Contact’ sport. The organisers have done their very best to provide a safe racing environment, but competitors are reminded of their duty of care to themselves and all other competitors. Safety is a shared responsibility.

Past Results

Thanks to Reading CC and the Wayback Machine for the early years (2001-2004, sorry no 2003)