Devizes to Westminster: The UK's Ultimate Endurance Canoe Challenge

Devizes to Westminster: The UK's Ultimate Endurance Canoe Challenge

Over the Easter weekend, hundreds of endurance paddlers line up to take on one of the toughest races in the UK. The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race (DW) spans 125 miles from the Wiltshire town of Devizes to Westminster Bridge in London. This legendary non-stop race demands physical stamina, mental resilience, and expert preparation.

From its humble beginnings in 1948 to becoming a bucket-list feat for elite athletes, the DW is widely regarded as the Mount Everest of canoe races. Whether you are competing in the Non-Stop Race or tackling the Stage Race across four days, the DW offers a unique adventure that few forget.

Inside the Race: 125 Miles. 77 Portages. One Mission.

The Non-Stop format is a 24-hour affair – or less for some – and takes place on Easter Saturday, running through the day and into the night and often into the early hours of Easter Sunday. Racers battle fatigue, unpredictable river conditions and 77 portages, where they must carry their boats around locks and weirs.

The Stage Race, starting on Good Friday, splits the journey over four days with set stops, allowing rest between legs. Both formats require grit, but the Non-Stop option pushes paddlers beyond the limits of typical endurance events.

In 2023, during an unprecedented race which saw half of the senior entrants disallowed by a competency-based assessment for safety reasons, history was made when the long-standing Senior Doubles record was finally broken by former GB paddlers, Tom Sharpe and Keith Moule. Previously held since 1979 in a time of 15 hours and 34 minutes, it now stands at an incredible 15 hours and 19 minutes. A true testament to the level of performance the DW continues to inspire.

For supporters and spectator information, the DW race info page provides details on checkpoints, tracking options, and the full event schedule.

Photo: Julie Raworth

Lifesystems Sales Director, Dan Marett, on Grit, Gear and a Top 10 DW Finish

Among the 2023 Non-Stop finishers was Dan Marett, our very own Sales Director at Lifesystems, alongside his race partner Laurence Plant. With three prior DW completions already under his belt, Dan brought valuable experience and a calm head to this fourth and most intense attempt yet. After months of preparation, hundreds of training kilometres, and countless kit decisions, they crossed the finish line in 17 hours and 42 minutes, placing 6th overall and winning the Veterans Trophy (35+).

“This race doesn’t care who you are. Anything can happen, you have to hold your nerve and keep digging in. The reward when get to Westminster is enormous, I would highly recommend this to anyone with an adventurous spirit.”

Having paddled more than 100 km per week as preparation, the pair relied on strength, grit and teamwork, over technical finesse. With the Thames flowing fast, they opted for a stable boat to ensure they reached the finish line in one piece. Their night section was particularly brutal, with fatigue, injuries, and cold conditions testing their limits. Laurence described the final section: “We talked each other through much of the final stretch and Dan reassured me I wasn’t going to die, when I felt awful. We took it easy and played it smart. Getting to the end was such an epic achievement.”

Although not racing this year, Dan has played a central role in Lifesystems becoming an official sponsor and supporter of the event and has a wealth of first-hand knowledge of the best choice of kit to use for such an event.

Supporting Safety on the Water

Lifesystems is proud to be a part of ensuring that paddlers are equipped for safety and visibility throughout the challenge. Every competitor receives:

• Lifesystems Heatshield Thermal Blanket to reduce the risk of exposure and maintain body heat
• Lifesystems Intensity Glow Marker (white only) for improved visibility from dusk onwards

Lifesystems is also proud to support the race Marshalls along the Thames with the Waterproof First Aid Kit and Intensity Markers. As well as this, several competitors have been known to favour Lifesystems head and hand torches, taped to the boat, for the night section. Indeed the record-breaking boat in 2023 had a Lifesystems 480 LED hand torch on the front as shown below and as described in Keith Moule’s kit guide.

Photo: Keith Moule

Who Takes on the DW? From Adventurers to Olympians

The DW has drawn in a wide range of competitors over the decades. Past participants include explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Olympians James Cracknell and Helen Glover, and TV presenter Steve Backshall. Military personnel, emergency services, students, and seasoned ultra-endurance athletes all line up together in pursuit of the same goal: touching dry land at Westminster.

Final Thoughts

This year’s race promises another unforgettable chapter. We are proud to support the event alongside our friends at ThruDark, the official headline sponsors, who share our passion for performance and resilience in the face of challenge.
Whether you are racing, supporting from the bank, or following online, the DW is more than a canoe race. It is a celebration of determination, community, and adventure.

Explore our race-ready survival gear and get fully equipped for your next expedition.