Irish in Devizes

Congratulations to all the Irish who did the Devizes to Westminster 125Mile race Easter 2009, here are all the Irish I could see if I left any one out please mail me and of course not to forget there family and friends who took time out to be the support group feeding and watering the competitors along the way, well done to Robert and Olivia Murphy from Newbridge college CC for helping with the organisers this year

http://www.dwrace.org.uk/index.php

The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire and finishes just downstream of Westminster Bridge in London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The race has been held annually over the Easter Weekend since 1948.

The race is 125 miles long and has 77 portages. The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal, the next 55 miles are on the River Thames and the final section is on the tidal portion of the Thames.

The race is a severe test of skill and stamina which produces a memorable sense of achievement for those successfully completing it. The non-stop version of the race is the longest non-stop canoe race in the world.

Race Classes There are 5 classes within the event: Senior Doubles – crews of 2 adults who race non-stop from start to finish

Senior Singles – adult single paddlers who compete over 4 days

Junior Doubles – crews of 2 juniors who compete over 4 days

Veteran / Junior – crews of 1 adult (over 35) and 1 junior who compete over 4 days

Endeavour – a non-competitive doubles class held over 4 days

RE: Irish in Devizes

Well done, indeed, to all who competed in the DW 2009. Race entries were up greatly from last year. Good weather and good racing had by all. Always great to see more and more Irish paddlers take up the 'canoeist's Everest' challenge!