Endeavour class evolves for 2026
Since 2002 paddlers wanting to tackle the ThruDark Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over four days as a pair, but who aren’t eligible for the Junior Doubles or Junior/Veteran class have taken part within the Endeavour class.
The Endeavour class has existed as a non-timed challenge enabling paddlers to test their endurance over four days without the pressure of the clock. It’s also served as a vital stepping stone for those considering taking part in the Senior Doubles non-stop event in future years.
But now that all changes. The Endeavour class is being reimagined.
The Devizes to Westminster Organisation is proud to announce that for 2026 and beyond, the class will transition into a fully competitive racing category and will be re-named to Open Endeavour.
The reasons for this change are two-fold. Open Endeavour will remain a welcoming space for paddlers of all ambitions, both as a pair of senior paddlers, or senior paddlers partnered with juniors.
But it also now caters for the top-end paddlers who do not wish to race straight through the night, and instead want to test their speed and strategy over a multi-day stage race format.
It means that whether you are racing just to complete the distance, or to fight for outright victory, every paddler will now have their achievement officially timed and recorded.
As DW Director and Senior Doubles record holder Tom Sharpe explains, this evolution of the Endeavour class now allows those athletes who want to compete at the highest level without compromising their entire racing season to take part.
"The 118-mile stage race to Barn Elms is a brutal, high-intensity test of speed and recovery,” explained Sharpe. “For the elite paddler, Open Endeavour offers the perfect middle ground: you get the prestige and the gruelling distance of a DW title, but the overnight breaks allow you to maintain a racing pace that just isn't possible in the non-stop. It’s a way to hunt a major trophy and test your limits without the massive recovery deficit that can often side-line you for the rest of the sprint or marathon season.”
With Open Endeavour now being a fully competitive category, with official results tables and recorded finishes, it would be remiss if there wasn’t a trophy for those that win the class.
As a result, we are honoured to introduce the Pangbourne Trophy, kindly donated by Vicky and Tim Metcalfe. The trophy will be awarded to the overall fastest boat in the class.
But that’s not all.
To celebrate this inaugural competitive season, the winning crew of Open Endeavour will also receive a complimentary entry into the 2027 Senior Doubles (non-stop) race.
This prize is designed to support the fastest crews in their transition to the ultimate DW challenge, providing a clear pathway from the four-day competitive format to the non-stop event.
Paul Fielden, Chairman of the DW Organisation, said: "We’ve seen the intensity that paddlers bring to the Endeavour; it is time that spirit is officially recognised.
“By making this a competitive class, we want to attract the very best talent to the four-day event, while ensuring that the developmental crews and challenge paddlers continue to have a world-class event to participate in. The challenge remains the same—the recognition is simply greater."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the course or distance changing? No. The challenge remains the same 118-mile route from Devizes to Barn Elms over four days. Only the status of the class—from a non-competitive challenge to a competitive race—is changing.
I’m not an elite paddler. Can I still enter? Absolutely. The Open Endeavour remains a broad-entry, inclusive class. The event remains the primary home for those who want to experience the magic of DW in a multi-day format.
Why the name change to "Open" Endeavour? The "Open" designation reflects the inclusive nature of the class, which welcomes both all-senior crews and combination senior/junior crews.
Will my time be public? Yes. For the first time, Open Endeavour times will be published on the official DW results website, allowing you to track your progress and compare your performance against other participants and previous years.
How do I win the free entry for the 2027 Senior Doubles? The free entry is awarded to the crew (the specific two individuals) who record the fastest overall time in the Open Endeavour Class at DW 2026. This entry is non-transferable and applies specifically to the Senior Doubles (Non-Stop) event the following year.
What if I don't want to race and just want to finish? That is perfectly fine. Many paddlers in other classes set their own goals. You will still receive your finisher’s medal and certificate; the only difference is that you will now have an official record of your achievement.