Another discipline of the ICF flat water is canoe marathon which is a true test of the paddler’s endurance, strength, speed and tactics. Both the canoe and kayaks are raced on flat water with a standard distance of 30 kilometers. Apart from the events organized by the ICF the other ones may be a bit longer than the standard distance and may be staged up to several days. These competitions attract thousands of competitors all around the globe.
The distance canoeing competitions are being held since ages where some of the marathon races include the Sella Descent in Spain, 1929 and the Devizes to Westminster race in England which is held since 1948. Traditionally, canoe marathon races have seen competitors racing from one point to another across possible combinations of lake, river, sea and estuary in which they had to navigate around any obstacles and even had to carry the boat at times if necessary. The current format has evolved to inspire a more spectator-friendly approach to the discipline with courses designed to be covered in laps with a number of carriages (artificial or real). The 2015 World Championships in Györ, Hungary, comprised of 6 to 8 laps with up to 7 portages (22.2km to 30km) depending on the event class.
The aim of competitors is to complete the given distance within the minimum possible time.
The ICF Organizes The Events In The Following Manner
| Men |
K-1, K-2, K-4, C-1, C-2 |
| Women |
K-1, K-2, K-4, C-1, C-2 |
| Mixed |
K-2, C-2 |
| Men/Women |
SUP |
Where ‘K’ refers to Kayaks and ‘C’ refers to Canoes
The participants participate individually or in a team of two who compete against the other teams.Only the members of clubs or associations affiliated with an ICF National Federation have the right to participate in an international competition.
Canoe Marathon - Clothing
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The canoe-kayak athletes' clothing are ergonomically cut which allows maximum range of movement to thepaddler without rubbing, which is critical while paddling.
Thermal base layers, breathable paddle jackets and trousers are all worn by the paddlers while playing the sport. |
Canoe Marathon - Boats
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The boats are used in canoe marathon are the canoe and the kayak. The difference between the two is of the size of the boat, the type of paddle used i.e. single or double paddled and the posture of the athlete. |
Following types of courses are used for marathon races:-
- The river courses free of obstacles or interruptions.
- The courses with hurdles such as rocks, weirs or shallows involving obligatory or optional portage open water courses on lakes, estuaries or the open sea, or
- Any combination of the above
| Seniors Men |
Min. of 20 km with no upper limit |
| Seniors Women |
Min. of 15 km with no upper limit |
| Juniors |
Min. of 15 km with no upper limit |
The International Technical Officials At The International Competitions Incude:
- Chief Official
- Safety Officer
- Chief Course Umpire
- Competition Manager
- Competition Secretary
- Starter(s)
- Aligner
- Course Umpires
- Finishing Line Judge(s)
- Timekeeper(s)
- Boat Scrutineer
- Raft Marshall Announcer
- Sport Presentation Officer
