Results for 2026 are out! Find them here
Safety
There is an expectation that Participants have the experience and capability to paddle their chosen course. If you are unsure whether you have the ability to complete the Event, please err on the side of caution and do not enter the water. Whilst the Event does provide a number of marshalls, their primary purpose is to make sure that you complete the correct course and turn at the right point. We do not have sufficient marshalls to provide individual safety cover for each participant. You are expected to look after your own welfare.
Notwithstanding that, please ensure that, if you do spot anyone in difficulty, you provide whatever assistance you can and notify the nearest marshall. This applies even if it is to the detriment of your own race.
Fresh water.
There is no fresh water supply on the site. The only water available will be the limited amount that we bring onto the site, in water containers and anything that you bring with you. With this in mind please consider bringing a reasonable amount of water for drinking, hand washing and general cleaning.
Water Quality.
We would encourage you to use publicly available data to make your own assessment of the water quality. We know that people are far more aware of the water quality situation than ever before. Surfers Against Sewage provide a free APP and website, which you can use when checking water quality. The website can be accessed here https://www.sas.org.uk/sewage-map/. If you search this site, you will note that the overflow on Queens Staithe has activated 148 times in the last 3 months, often multiple times a day and for short durations. Whilst completely unacceptable, this appears to be “normal” for this outlet. If we consider the pollution risk is “Abnormally high” we will cancel the event and you will be refunded.
In the interest of your health,
Please cover all cuts before entering the water.
Please wash your hands after the event. This is particularly important before handling or consuming food.
Please shower as soon as possible post race.
Please apply Sunscreen before the Event.
If you require the assistance of a first aider, one will be available in the Registration Area.
After the race we will have the usual BBQ, please bring some cash. We hope to be able to take card payments if required.
We are pleased to have Robin Hood Watersports and BioMate with us for the day. We would like to thank Bluefin SUP for their support in supplying additional prizes for the first SUP in each distance.
A post race awards ceremony will take place around 3.15 pm.
We support the Check, Clean & Dry initiative to prevent the spread of invasive, non native species. This link will take you to Paddle UK information on the subject https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/shared-files/british-canoeing-central-documents/Biosecurity-at-paddling-Events-Toolkit.pdf
Litter – please take all of your litter home. If you spot any litter please pick it up and dispose of it. We aim to leave the site as good as, or better than we found it. We have no access to commercial waste management services. Imagine if you had to take everyone’s rubbish, from the day, home with you – that’s essentially what we have to do if you leave anything behind.
This Event takes quite a lot of organising, by a group of volunteers. We do it because we’re very fond of the Event and all of the people involved in planning and participating in it. Please be respectful towards the organisers, volunteers, marshalls and your fellow competitors. We hope you all have fun, because essentially that’s what it’s all about.
I can’t leave without expressing our gratitude to Bren Cunney at Illumin8 Training. We try to keep the Event affordable. The reason you’re not paying more than you currently are is thanks to the financial support we get from Illumin8 Training. We’re hoping to have Brendan back on the water this year with a Return of the Song of the Paddle.
We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
The York Canoe Race Committee
The 2026 Race will be held on Saturday 20th June 2026
If you have entered or are planning to enter the York Canoe Race, please add yorkcanoerace@gmail.com to your contacts or favourites list. This should ensure that you receive up to date information from us. Consider checking your SPAM folder if you’re feeling neglected. If you’re receiving emails from us and you’d rather not, please email us and we’ll unsubscribe you from our distribution list.
The 2026 Race has sold out but you can still come and spectate at the Event which will be on the water from 1pm.
The event is organised by experienced local paddlers and welcomes and supports Humbledon Outdoor Activities Association, an organisation for adults with learning disabilities. Everyone will enjoy paddling York’s historic city center course, when the riverside will be crowded with tourists. Bring families, friends & groups and enjoy a great day out.
The races are open to paddlers of all ages and all types of canoes and paddle boards. As long as your canoe/paddle board is river worthy, you have a serviceable buoyancy aid for everyone onboard and you are capable of paddling your chosen distance, unaided, you are welcome to enter.
Courses
Participants can choose between three different courses short (2.5km), medium (5km) and long (7.5km).
Parking
The Event is grateful to the Friends of Rowntree Park, a registered charity, who allow us to access and use the land. We make a donation to the Friends of Rowntree Park, after the Event and would encourage all drivers to make a £1 contribution per vehicle.
