‘Race to the Castle 2025’ 40km international paddleboarding race from Nottingham to Newark Castle along River Trent, organised by SUP Fitness, takes place on April 26
International competitors will be making waves this weekend as a long distance river race returns to Newark for it’s second year.
The ‘Race to the Castle 2025’ is a 40km endurance paddleboarding race down the River Trent, from Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment to the iconic Newark Castle.
Stand up paddleboarding has been growing in popularity over the past few years as a sport and leisure activity which combines both adventure and exercise, but also has a competition scene for athletes.
Around 350 people are expected to take part in this year’s race, which will take place this Saturday, April 26.
Race organiser Cassie Paxton, of Nottingham-based SUP Fitness, said: “I’m about ready to burst with excitement.
“We have around 350 paddlers taking part, from 14 different countries, with 100 of them returning from last year.
“There is a real draw to the castle and the beauty of the Trent Valley which has really captured the heart of our international paddlers.
“Which is why we’re so excited to be able to showcase Nottingham, Newark, and the many fabulous villages in between to the world.”
The event is supported by Paddle UK, the sport’s governing body, and Cassie has ambitions five year plan to grow the event and make it one of the paddleboarding’s premier worldwide races.
Participants will set off in two waves from Victoria Embankment in Nottingham, starting at 7am with the casual paddlers who will be able to take in picturesque sights of rural Nottinghamshire from the water.
Then at 9am the competitive paddleboarders and class categories will set off.
Along the route, a dedicated team of over 50 volunteers will be on hand to keep participants safe and to help them through key checkpoints and water locks.
A new addition to this year’s race will be the ability to track the paddlers in real time using GPS.
The first finishers are expected to arrive at Newark Castle by 12.30pm, with a cut off of 4pm.
An events village will be set up at Riverside Park, in collaboration with Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council, to create a celebratory atmosphere.
Live music from Newark Town Band will welcome participants back onto dry land, with food provided by Newark-based cafe Feeling Peckish.
“The popularity of paddleboarding has really grown,” said Cassie.
“I think it comes from all the different ways in which is allows people to enjoy being out on the water, whether it’s for mindfulness and to get closer to nature, or for sport and adventure — there’s something for everyone.
“Every paddler has been on a long journey to get here. It’s not just about paddling the 40km on the day, but all the preparation to make sure they are ready for such an endurance challenge.
“So if you’re free, please come on down and cheer our competitors along, and while you’re here why not sign up for a taster session and check out paddle boarding for yourself.”
