Divisional format to boost exciting new marathon event

The upcoming Watersports Marathon Challenge in Napier on 1st and 2nd June is an exciting new event in the distance paddling calendar and co-event organisers Mana Kayak Club are looking to shake up marathon events with the piloting of a new divisional racing system to allow closer racing and a better experience for all paddlers.

Mana Kayak Club and Hawkes Bay Kayak Racing Club have teamed up to run the first Watersports Marathon Challenge, a celebration of all things watersports marathon racing, in Napier on 1 and 2 June. With 3 different races over 2 days and open to any paddling craft, this will be a great weekend of fun distance racing with something for all abilities.

All racing will be held on the Te Awa o Mokotuararo (Clive River), Hawkes Bay. Paddlers can choose to enter 1, 2 or all 3 events over the weekend, with the single person craft and W6/W12 racing on Sunday morning and team boats (K2, K4, C2) on Monday morning (King’s birthday holiday).

K1 and K2 long course Marathon races will double as the CRNZ selection trials for paddlers wishing to attend the 2025 World Games in China and/or the 2025 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Gyor, Hungary.

What is extra exciting about this new event is the introduction of a divisional racing system based on ability divisions. It is designed so that paddlers can have close and tactical racing against people of similar speed, regardless of age, gender or craft. The racing system consists of eight (8) divisions.

This is based on what is done in the sport across Europe and the America’s. Each participant is classified by ability (when entering, you will be asked to for your approximate current time for 500m or 1000m) then placed in a division based on this time. Each division will have their own race start and race distance.

The idea is that the divisional system will be rolled out across a range of distance events each year, and that paddlers will remain the same division until they have progressed to a level that allows you to be promoted or demoted associated to the criteria assigned to each division.

Team boats (racing on Monday morning) will be allocated a division based on the average of each members’ individual divisions.

Participants can put their own team boat crews together or can submit their name into a pool and organisers will allocate them a crew that matches their ability.

This new system hopes to attract new group of paddlers to try marathon racing by offering an exciting event and racing experience.

 “Marathon racing can be one of the most exciting events to participate in and watch, with the fun, chaos and skill of portages and lap courses” says event manager Mark Watson.

“The inclusion of divisional racing helps eliminate the issue that age group and category racing creates - strung out fields where people are predominantly time trialing. We all participate for different reasons and this ability system allows for those differences, not everyone wants to train at the level of a top athlete but they do like to be competitive. By putting you in a race where there are people at your ability allows for this competitiveness to come to the fore."

The sport of canoe/kayak marathon is a true test of a paddler’s tactics, endurance and athleticism. Similar to a running marathon, it is a long distance, endurance event- standard races can be up to 30km on a flatwater course, often with regular portages where the paddler must carry the kayak.  

At the Watersports Marathon Challenge in Hawkes Bay, race distances vary from 4-24km based on divisions.

New Zealand has a strong history in kayak marathon with renowned paddlers such as Ben Fouhy and Teneale Hatton boasting world championship medals.

But it is not just for elite athletes. Marathon and distance events (such at the Paddler Winter Series races) are a safe way to build up and boost your endurance and fitness, as they are typically held on flat water. They are social, enjoyable events to keep active and healthy, especially during the colder winter months when it is harder to get out on your own (entry fees keep you accountable!) and are a good challenge and test of your own ability.

With the NZ Canoe Marathon Championships set for Labour Weekend in sunny Motueka, this upcoming Watersports Marathon Challenge is the perfect start to your winter distance paddling adventure! Early bird entry fees end midnight Wednesday 13 May, with entries closing midnight Thursday 29th May.

Event Details – 2025 Watersports Marathon Challenge Date: 1st/2nd June 2025 Venue: Clive River, Hawkes Bay Craft: Open to K1, K2, K4, C1, C2, Ski, Multisport boats and Waka ama (W1, W6 and W12) and SUPs.Full event details

There will be a trailer heading down to the event from Auckland (can pick up along the way) - contact Danika if you would like put your boat on.