Canoeist dies in Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race

Published: Wednesday, 24 April 2019

THE tough canoe race from Devizes to Westminster has claimed its first victim.

A competitor collapsed and died on the final stage along the Thames with the authorities investigating the death, Alan Tilbury reports.

World's toughest

The four days race from Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal and the Thames to Westminster is recognised as one of the world's toughest endurance challenges, with many believing it is too severe with not only the mileage but competitors having to negotiate a total of 77 locks along the way.

In 2013 a nearly a third of the competitors pulled out due to the weather and one year even Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave pulled out through tiredness after completing 87 miles.