NEWS AND UPDATES - CLICK HERE REGULARLY AND ON RACE DAY
- Mar 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Sunday 8th March 2026
NCC Waterside C Provisional results
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Wednesday 5th March 2026
NCC Waterside C Debriefing
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Wednesday 25th February 2026
NCC Waterside B FInal results
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Sunday 22nd February 2026
NCC Waterside B Provisional results
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Friday 20 February 2026
NCC Waterside B Debriefing
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Sunday 22 February 2026
NCC Waterside B Update
Newbury to Aldermaston and return
River levels are currently high; however, our present assessment is that it should still be possible to run Race B as planned.
We will continue to monitor conditions, but we met on Monday night to do a full risk assessment and we think the race is fine to go ahead! We have put some extra marshals in key spots and are requiring all paddlers to wear BAs.
See the safety briefing for all updates.
Key points to note:
Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all competitors.
The return leg to Newbury will involve paddling against a strong flow and is likely to be physically demanding.
All crews must be familiar with the location of the weirs and appropriate avoidance lines.
It is likely that all low bridges will require portaging.
If river levels remain high, race captains should carefully assess the ability, experience and strength of their crews to ensure they are competent to race safely in the conditions.
Newbury Canoe Club intends to marshal key points along the course. Any experienced paddlers who are willing to assist are encouraged to contact us.
Support crews — particularly those responsible for junior or less experienced paddlers — should remain close to their crews and be prepared to withdraw them from the race if conditions prove too challenging.
We look forward to welcoming you on Sunday.
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20 February 2026
Final Results for Race A
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8th February 2026
Provisional Results for Race A
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7th February 2026
Start Sheets for Race A
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29th January 2026
Debrief now available for Race A
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14 September 2025
MRC entries open 20th Dec 2025
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Feb 2025
Important Changes to the Series location
The Series races will all end at Newbury Canoe Club this year rather than at the Waterside Centre. Here’s what you need to know:
Rule amendments - Please see website for amendments to some rules mid-series
Finish line
The finish line for A, C and D will be slightly downstream this year. It will be on the far side of the first bridge after you pass the Waterside Centre. You will need to go through the right arch. The finish line will be clearly marked.
Getting off the water
You can get off the water at the library carpark (RG14 5AS), on the right side of the canal. If your vehicle is in the football club carpark on the left side of the canal, you can get out either at Victoria Park or after the weir on the left side. Please be careful not to get too close to the weir.
Changing
We will have gazebos for changing at Newbury Canoe Club (NCC). Unfortunately, we won’t have any showers available.
Toilets
There are public toilets in the wharf carpark (RG14 5AP). These will be free for the day on all race days.
Paddlers & support crew food
Paddlers food (hot food and drinks) will be served outside the NCC clubhouse. There will also be hot drinks and cakes available to buy – coffee/tea/hot chocolate and cakes all £1 each, so bring your £ coins. Hot drinks 50P if you bring your own cup.
Parking
Parking will be as usual. The library car park (RG14 5AS) or the football club carpark (RG14 2AD) are the most convenient. The wharf carpark is currently closed. Newbury Canoe Club is only accessible on foot from the Newbury Library. Do not use ‘Newbury Canoe Club’ on Google Maps or other navigating apps. Search for ‘Newbury Library’.
Results & prizegiving
Results will be available at the NCC clubhouse as soon as they are ready. They will also be available on the marathon racing results webpage. Prizegiving will be at the NCC clubhouse as soon after the finish window closes as possible.
Why we are doing this
We have enjoyed working with the Waterside Centre on the Waterside Series over the years but unfortunately are unable to continue to do so. The Waterside Centre had a lovely upgrade a couple of years ago and the cost to hire the building now reflects that. They are also not open on Sundays, which creates some logistical problems that make it easier for us to host the series from our clubhouse. We would like to thank the Waterside Centre for all their work over the years.
This will be our first time hosting the races from our clubhouse, and will add quite a bit of work for our 40+ volunteers who are already marshaling the course, working registration, the finish line and race control, and managing the carparking. Please be patient with us as we figure this out.
If you haven't already registered but are planning to race, please register now as we need to know numbers for the paddlers food.
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