A GRUELLING marathon paddle, regarded as the canoeists’ Everest, has been successfully completed by Poole Harbour Canoe Club members.

The 125-mile Devizes to Westminster canoe race on the Kennet and Avon Canal, finishing under Westminster Bridge on the River Thames, was paddled by five club members.

“This year the race was particularly tough as there had been very little rain to raise the water levels and provide some flow to assist the paddlers on their way,” said Allan Westerby.

“So it was a hard slog from the beginning to Teddington, where the lucky few to complete the race got some tidal assistance on the last stretch of the Thames.”

Graham Dore and Hugh Lane completed the race in 22 hours and 11 minutes, coming 16th. Dave Button and Jeremy Chappel finished in 25 hours seven minutes, coming 55th.

Mick Rogers and Allan Westerby finished in 25 hours and 40 minutes, coming 61st. In the race 111 canoes finished the course out of more than 160 starters.

In the junior race, which covers the course but over four days, Leo Turnell Ritson and Gus Breen from Bryanston School came second, with 18 hours and seven minutes of paddling. Two other canoes from Bryanston also finished in 13th and 47th place.

Ben Cox and Jonathon Ledger from Canford School completed the race in 15th position, in a time of 20 hours and 48 minutes.

“All of our paddlers did brilliantly in what was an exceptionally tough race on a very slow and sluggish course,” said Allan.