Everything you need to know before race day — routes, entry requirements, directions, and event documents.
Race Routes
All races start from Millennium Bridge. The short course goes to Skeldergate Bridge (2.5km), the medium to Scarborough Railway Bridge (5km), and the long to Clifton Bridge (7.5km).
Short turnaround
Medium turnaround
Long course turnaround
Entry & Membership
Please read the following before entering the event.
The York Canoe Race organisers aim to put on a fun event for those who enjoy spending time on the water. Whilst a fun day out is our primary aim, we also have a duty to organise the event with an eye on safety. It is never possible, with an activity such as canoeing, to make it risk free, however we risk assess the event and put in place safety measures that we feel are proportionate. Ultimately we rely on all participants to act responsibly, both for their own safety and for the safety and enjoyment of others.
To ensure that all participants, helpers and organisers are adequately insured, the Organising Committee is a subcommittee of Paddle UK and puts on the event on Paddle UK’s behalf. Paddle UK provide the entry system for the event. In addition to insurance cover, Paddle UK “Full On the Water membership” provides the waterways licence needed to access the River Ouse.
To enter the event you will need one of the following:
- Any UK National Association On the Water membership or equivalent
- Any UK National Association Club Associate (details at britishcanoeing.org.uk/club-associate)
- Single Event Membership at a £5 supplement in addition to your entry fee, providing Paddle UK membership for the day including insurance cover
Details about Paddle UK membership and the insurance cover it provides can be found at paddleuk.org.uk/membership.
Getting There
Road Directions to the Start
Enter York on Bishopthorpe Road via the A1, A64, A19 etc. Signs for York Racecourse take you in the right direction. Terry’s former factory is near the junction of Bishopthorpe Road and Campleshon Road. Butcher Terrace is 400 metres further north along Bishopthorpe Road on the right. The nearest postcode is YO23 1LS.
A gate will be opened so that competitors can park on the grass near the Millennium Bridge. The parking area is public space — please drive carefully and watch out for cyclists and pedestrians.