DW 2026 Runners & Riders

The 2026 ThruDark Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race is shaping up to be a good race but who are the crews to watch?

We asked 1000mile paddler Kat Wilson (ne Burbeck) to sprinkle a bit of her DW wisdom on this year’s contenders. Who better to ask than the current Senior Ladies Record holder, especially as the other half of that record breaking pair is in one of the hot seats. 

“So this year’s race is looking set to have a tight top two head to head with a solid chasing pack behind that will enjoy capitalising on any mistakes. Conditions have the potential to be challenging with a warm day and cool night, likely resulting in fog on the river overnight. Times will be longer as the river level drops and records become harder to chase, but I can see opportunity for the Veteran Ladies & the Century records to fall. 

So who is in the hot seat? Who is pipped to be in the top 10? Will love outweigh experience? Well, please enjoy my very own personal opinion on the matter. It is a light-hearted take but I would ask that all crews to execute the race as per the comments as that would certainly help my credibility and ego.”