Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race

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Organisers of this annual 125-mile race are hoping that last summer's Olympic success will inspire a raft of entries into "one of the most demanding open-to-all endurance events on the planet". Celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2013, the Easter Weekend Charity Canoe Race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire, on Good Friday (29th March) and finishes four days later opposite the Houses of Parliament on Easter Monday. Rowing canoes or kayaks, participants in five different race classes first negotiate the Kennet and Avon Canal, before joining the River Thames at Reading. The top class, the senior doubles, compete non-stop through day and night from start to finish (last year's winners came home in 17 hours and 57 minutes, making it the longest continuous canoe race in the world), whilst other classes - senior singles, junior doubles, veteran/junior and non-competitive doubles - are raced over four different stages during the Easter weekend. Much like the London Marathon, a minimum of six months' training is recommended for those entering the race, which is a severe test of skill and stamina. Spectators are encouraged to head down to Westminster Bridge on the Easter Bank Holiday Monday to witness the arrival of most of the participants. Check www.dwrace.org.uk for more information.

Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race (c) Peter Hutchison