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Tuesday 13 August 2024 | by Al Patterson

This August Bank Holiday weekend marks the start of the first ever Thames 200 Ultra, the UK’s newest endurance paddling race. Paddling the full length of the Thames, from its navigable start in Lechlade to the last lock in Teddington before the tidal Thames, is having a bit of a moment. British TV naturalist Steve Backshall (aka husband of Olympic flag bearer Helen Glover) set a record in August 2023. Kayaker Billy Butler broke it this past April, dropping the record to 15 hours and 44 minutes.

Brazilian Olympians

Two Brazilian Olympians set another record, and even the guy who unicycled around the world just paddled the Thames from Source to Sea. It’s 200 km of the best of the Thames, winding through trees and fields, through Oxford and Reading… it’s the UK’s most famous river for good reason.

We work with them to give them life skills around water. Many children tragically drown each year and teaching them about the dangers in a safe environment is a key part of BlueSPace sessions. It is also a fun thing to do and something that they might not have been able to afford.

Inserting multiple images in a gallery

To add a gallery into your post use the ‘gallery’ widget. Because the race can be done either straight through or as a relay, each team is already busy working out the best tactics. For those worried about meeting time cutoffs on SUP or prone, an early start option is available at 10am on Saturday 24th August. The quicker boats will start at 2pm.

The inaugural race is already shaping up to be a major event, from the mass start in scenic Lechlade to the festival planned for the finish line in Teddington. Any person-powered craft is welcome, from marathon kayaks to sit-and-switch canoes to stand up paddleboards and even prone boards. Because the race can be done either straight through or as a relay, each team is already busy working out the best tactics. For those worried about meeting time cutoffs on SUP or prone, an early start option is available at 10am on Saturday 24th August. The quicker boats will start at 2pm.