The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, often referred to as the 'Canoeists Everest' is a 125 mile event paddled either non stop or over four stages, depending on your entry category. The course was first paddled at Easter in 1948 by two crews of Devizes Rover Scouts, journey time - ninety hours. A month later a Sea Scout crew completed the paddle in seventy seven hours; attempts to break that later in the summer were foiled by the growth of weed in the canal thus establishing Easter as the best time to make the attempt.

Starting from Devizes Wharf on Good Friday the course covers 53 miles and 56 portages on the Kennet and Avon canal to its confluence with the River Thames at Reading, thereafter it follows the Thames, a distance of 72 miles with a further 21 portages, to Westminster. A total distance of 125 miles with 77 portages. Everyone who completes the course receives a medal.

In addition to the finishers medal there are many trophies to competed for, including the D.W. Challenge Cup, Men's, Ladies, Mixed, Services, Police, Scouts, CCF, Schools and Universities; also Team trophies. There is also an award, know as the Pfiffer Cup presented to the crew who raises the most money for charity - this has become a very important facet of the race.

You can learn more about The history of the race

The Portages	-Kennet & Avon Canal
	-River Thames

• Rules (PDF file, Get Acrobat Reader to view this file.)
• Mileage Chart

Anyone wishing to join the organisation and get involved/learn more about us should contact Jan Oakes for a membership form.  The annual cost is £10 or free with a race entry!