DEVIZES TO WESTMINSTER

18th April - 21st April 2025

125 miles, 77 portages

Photo: Guy Dresser

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race is the world’s longest non-stop canoe race.

The race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire, finishing at Westminster Bridge in central London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. Taking place over the Easter Weekend, it's a gruelling course, 125 miles long including 77 portages. The Senior Doubles class races non-stop, other classes race over four days.

18th April - 21st April 2025

NEWS

125 MILES | 77 PORTAGES

THE DEVIZES TO

WESTMINSTER
INTERNATIONAL
CANOE RACE

Frequently asked questions

  • In 2025, DW will run a trial event for SUP's. This will be a separate class in the four day event and a limited number of single SUP's will be allowed to enter.

  • For the non-stop race, you should be stable and comfortable in your boat by September, to ensure you can train throughout the winter months. We would expect 2-5 sessions per week on the water, and additional complementary training such as running, gym work etc.

    The stages race can be done with slightly less training; however the more time you spend on the water, the more chance you have of completion.

    We would recommend a minimum of 6 months training for any paddler contemplating DW.

  • The Senior Doubles record of 15 hours and 34 minutes that was set in 1979 was finally broken in 2023 and now stands at 15 hours and 19 minutes.

  • The total race is 125 miles. The Senior Doubles Class race this non-stop, covering 54 miles on the Kennet and Avon Canal from Devizes to Reading, then 54 miles on the River Thames down to Teddington and finally the final 17 miles on the Tideway to Westminster.


    The Stage Races (Junior Doubles, Veteran/Junior, Endeavour and Senior Singles) race over 4 days. Day 1 is Devizes to Newbury (34 miles), day 2 is Newbury to Marlow (36 miles), day 3 is Marlow to Teddington (38 miles) and day 4 is Teddington to Westminster (17 miles).

12-13 OCTOBER 2024

G2E

23 FEB 2025

Waterside A

2 MAR 2025

Thameside 1

9 MAR 2025

Waterside B

16 MAR 2025

Thameside 2

23 MAR 2025

Waterside C

6 APR 2025

Waterside D

Good Friday - Devizes to Newbury

7am to 8am

Endeavour crew start (excluding fast crews)

SUP Singles start

8am to 9.30am

Junior doubles start

9.30am to 10.30am

Veteran Junior doubles start
Senior Singles start

Easter Saturday - Newbury to Marlow

Start times allocated according to previous day times - All crews

Easter Sunday: Marlow to Teddington

Start times allocated according to previous day times - All crews

Easter Monday: Teddington to Westminster

Start times allocated according to previous day times - All crews

Easter Saturday - Devizes to Westminster non-stop

Start times between 7am to 5pm to hit the permitted tide window at Teddington

Sponsors

Photo Credit: Live Tracking - Paul Marshall, Get Advice - Julie Raworth, Race Rules - Andrew Park, 2023 Results - Guy Dresser