Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race 2026
About the race
The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race is the world’s longest non-stop canoe race. The race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire, finishing at Westminster Bridge in central London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. Taking place over the Easter weekend, it’s a gruelling course, 125 miles long with no fewer than 77 portages. It’s for this reason that the event is known as the “canoeist’s Everest”.
The race itself is non-stop and, as a time trial event, paddlers rely on choosing the correct start time in order to hit the tidal section of the River Thames when the tide window opens. The current record for the Senior Doubles class stands at 15hr 19m and 25 seconds for the 125 mile route. It’s a real race of attrition with a high “did not finish” rate given the arduous distance and physical demands combined with the added complication of tide times.
WHEN
3rd - 6th April 2026. Non-stop race running day and night across the full course.
DISTANCE
125 miles. From Devizes to Westminster with 77 portages along the route.
FORMAT
Time Trial. Paddlers choose start times to hit the River Thames tidal window.
ROUTE
Devizes to Westminster Bridge, London
ThruDark Co-Founder Louis Tinsley Takes Part
Not only is ThruDark the title sponsor of the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race 2026 but Co-Founder Louis will be taking part in the event personally, alongside older brother Frankie. The two have been training for the event for months, learning all new skills and braving all weathers to get vital hours in on the water. It’s been a challenge like nothing else for the two former military men.
“It’s been a real journey if I’m honest. We’ve put a lot of hours in, around 70 hours on the water, but more than that, it’s been a process of learning where our limits are and then working to push them back in the right way. We’ve had sessions where everything clicks, the boat feels fast, stable, efficient and then others where you’re reminded how unforgiving this sport is. I think the biggest takeaway has been humility. You can’t bluff this race. You have to earn it, session by session, and stay committed to improving the small details.”
- Louis Tinsley, ThruDark Co-Founder
Read our exclusive Q&A with Louis below.
FOLLOW THE ENDEAVOUR
Explore the story so far as Louis and Frankie prepare to take on the Devizes to Westminster challenge.
ThruDark as Title Sponsor
With a proud, historic military connection and its emphasis on both physical and mental resilience, the ThruDark Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race is a true test of character that we as a brand are proud to support. Endeavour Through Adversity.
