The Clifton Race

This 5 mile time trial upstream to Clifton Bridge and back has been running for over 40 years and takes place every Tuesday night starting at 6:00. (Excluding Christmas Day if it falls on a Tuesday.) That's over 2000 races so far!

The Race/Time Trial

The emphasis is on improvement so Personal Bests (PBs) are the main aim. However, it's more than a cold blooded flat out individual effort.

Many of the features of Canoe/ Kayak marathon develop each week and the good natured banter about who "carved" who up, who messed up the handicapping and why so and so "got dropped" form an important part of the after-race chat.

It is an excellent way to learn the skills of marathon racing in addition to being an indicator for marathon ranking, personal fitness and improvement.

Details

    • Slowest starters go around 6:00.

    • 50 minutes is zero time.

    • Slower paddlers start on "plus" times - i.e. over 50 minutes.

    • Handicapping is based on recent previous performances.

    • There is a "formula" for calculating scratch K2 crew handicaps based on individual times.

    • Top paddlers are doing times around 30/35 minutes.

    • 40 minutes is regarded as a good time & breaking the 40 minute barrier indicates aspirants are moving into the upper divisions of marathon racing.

All are welcome to enter in whatever boat you feel most comfortable with. If you expect to do times in excess of an hour, be there well before 6:00 so that an early start time can be arranged.