Canoeists braced for bad weather

The canoe race covers 125 miles: photo by Piran Kelly

More than 550 canoeists have begun what has been described as one of the toughest endurance events in the UK.

The Devizes to Westminster canoe race, covers 125 miles between the Wiltshire town and the London finish.

Competitors who are taking part in this year's events are being warned that the bad weather could make the race even more challenging than normal.

The race is celebrating its 60th year and Devizes-based Wadworth has brewed a special beer to mark the event.

At the start of the race, Mayor Julian Beinhorn unveiled a plaque commemorating the first race at Easter 1948, staged by four local scouts.

Challenging conditions

Canoeists will not be allowed to paddle in the dark on what is called the non-tidal part of the Thames because of the high river levels.

This means senior doubles crews taking part in the non-stop event will have to start from 1600 GMT on Saturday instead of being able to choose when they go.

A spokesman for the event said: "For the bulk of crews, this means paddling the Kennet and Avon canal in the dark during Saturday night, so as to arrive on the Thames during daylight.

"Paddling the Thames in daylight is safer than doing so in darkness, but paddlers are advised that conditions are still materially more challenging than in recent years."

He warned all crew members, whether taking part in the four-day staged event, or the non-stop one should make certain they will be safe in swift-moving water.