There are races run all over the UK throughout the year, usually on Sundays. Competitors have an official Marathon Division Ranking from 1 to 9 and Lightning Class. New competitors start in Division 9, and progress through the divisions by winning or coming close to winning races. Divisions 7, 8 and 9 race over a course of about 6.5km (4miles), which is Guildford Town Centre and back. Divisions 4, 5 and 6 race over a course of about 13km (8miles) and Divisions 1, 2 and 3 over 20km (12miles). The main competition is the Hasler Trophy, which all canoeing clubs compete for. This is done on a regional basis, in our case London & South East.

We compete at Clubs such as Royal (Kingston), Elmbridge (Weybridge), Richmond, Maidstone, Hastings, and Tonbridge. We have our own race in July, when well over 150 canoeists will compete. Points are awarded for race positions and the top four clubs in each region go forward to compete in the BCU Hasler Final, which is held in September. To take part in the final you have to have competed in at least three qualifying races during the season (1st September – 31st August).

Wey has a strong tradition in this competition, having been in the top three most years and winning it many times (most recently in 2007). As the same points are awarded for every division, the Club who has the most canoeists at every level, has a distinct advantage, hence we encourage everybody to participate in Marathon Racing, particularly beginners. We can easily arrange transportation and often have over 50 canoeists from the club at events.