The 16 th annual York Canoe race started successfully with the usual three courses of varying lengths
on offer. Overall the event went really well, with no incidents or accidents reported, and positive
feedback from everyone involved.
Due to York Councils ‘re wilding’ project the entry tents and BBQ were re located just south of
millennium bridge, this resulted in a more integrated feel to the event, and we will continue with
this location next year.
This was the second consecutive year supported by British Canoeing in terms of the entry system,
insurance and advertising. The 2023 event supported the British Canoeing ‘She Paddles’ initiative
with promotes female participation in paddle sport, Saira-Is-Haq (‘She Paddles’ ambassador was in
attendance and took part in the event with her daughter in a topo duo!
The British Canoeing team were once again fantastically supportive prior to and during race day, the
‘York Canoe Race’ banners really made the event feel more established than ever!
The 2022 event attracted 81 participants, taking on race distances of 2.5, 5, or 7.5K through the
heart of York City center! The weather was more than kind to the 2023 event, with lots of sunshine
and temperatures around 25 degrees, gave the event a real festival feel!
The entry field consisted of all types of canoe and kayak, the number of Stand up Paddleboarders
(SUP) increased to 11 this year.
Groups from the scouts, special needs centers, recreational paddlers, and experienced tourer/racers
were all represented at this truly diverse event!
Everyone finished the event, with only one capsize, it was great to see an open boat crew pause
their competition to help with a rescue!
The barbeque was a great focal point for everyone who loves paddle sport to congregate and reflect
on their racing experience! Special mention must go out to the catering team, the BBQ and cakes
always forms the focal point for competitors and supporters of the event.
As usual there were lots of prizes, with hand made wooden canoe trophies and medals awarded in
all courses.
York Canoe Race continues to be all about participation in paddlesport, and a celebration of our
paddling community, less so about ability (although the courses are always hotly contested at the
sharp end!)
We want our event to continue for another 15 years, and to be progressive in terms of entry and
format, to do this we need feedback from you! Please provide via our website ‘yorkcanoerace.co.uk’
– contact us!.
Thanks to our sponsors – Illuminate Training for their continued sponsorship
(llumin8training.co.uk)
Friends of Rowntrees Park for helping with the start location, event parking, toilets etc
(rowntreepark.org.uk)
British Canoeing for lots of logistical stuff, advice and the entry system!
(https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk)
