Enjoy It
Crooklands Canalathon 2024
A unique ‘triathlon’ in the South Lakes with a paddle boarding twist!
Aug
31
Event Overview
Join us for a fun-filled day of paddle boarding, walking or running along the beautiful canal towpath trail between Crooklands and Stainton here in the South Lakes.
It’s our first Canalathon and to make things even more interesting we’ve swapped swimming for stand-up paddle boarding:
- 2.8km Paddle Boarding
- 2.5km Running or Walking
There are staggered start times throughout the day, with participants setting off in ‘waves’ of 20.
No paddle board? No problem!
There’s no need to miss out as we have paddle boards to hire, just select this option when registering. We’ve also taken care of the licenses as well so no need to pay for one and we’re event transporting your paddle board for you!
Your entry fee will be donated to the wider Towpath Trail project, helping to create an accessible cycleway between Kendal and Lancaster.
Please Note: participants aged 8+ are welcome to enter however, due to insurance restrictions, the paddle boarding section is for those aged 18+ only.
Check out the helpful FAQs below for more information about our Canalathon!
Date:
August 31 2024Location:
LA7 7NWCost:
£15.00 (donation towards Towpath Trail improvements)What is the route of the Crooklands Canalathon?
Answer
The paddle board leg starts at the event field across the road from the Crooklands Hotel and ends just past the Stainton aquaduct.
The running section follows the towpath back along the canal to the Westmorland Showground.
The cycling section follows the quiet road back to Stainton, returning to the Westmorland Showground for the longer option.
What is the order of the Crooklands Canalathon?
Answer
Each participant will start the event in their pre-arranged ‘wave’ of 20 participants starting with paddle boarding, then running, then cycling.
Participants must complete the Canalathon in this event order. It has been designed this way to prevent paddle board collisions on the canal which is narrow in places.
How do I know which ‘wave’ to enter?
Answer
When booking, you can choose whichever ‘wave’ suits you. The first start time is 10:30am and then at 30-minute intervals until the final participants set off at 3:00pm.
Where is the start point?
Answer
Each ‘wave’ of participants will start from the event field, opposite the Crooklands Hotel. The paddle board co-ordinator will brief everyone and then set each wave off at the allocated start time.
Where and when should I register on the day?
Answer
All participants must register before starting the event at the gazebo on the event field (opposite Crooklands Hotel) at least 30moinutes before your wave time. Please bring your Eventbrite ticket so we can cross reference your next of kin info and provide you with your event number (which must remain visible) and paddle board sticker.
What happens to my paddleboard after the first discipline?
Answer
When you finish the paddle board section you will leave the canal and be asked to carry your board to the storage area where a trailer will safely transport your equipment back to the event field.
Your board will be stored in ‘wave bays’ near the entrance of the event field so all you need to do is find your wave number and ask the event staff to help you find your board. They will be stored inflated and upright.
When you register on the day, you will be given a sticker for your paddle board which corresponds with your participant number. The event staff will cross check your number with the paddle board number.
What should I wear?
Answer
We recommend wearing comfortable active clothing and the same footwear throughout the event but understand that some participants might not want to risk the possibility of running and cycling in wet trainers! One solution is to paddle board in flip flops/wet shoes and put your trainers in a dry bag attached to the paddle board.
Are the routes signposted?
Answer
The running route isn’t signposted, but it will be obvious where to go thanks to our volunteers! The running route is essentially the paddling route in reserve along the towpath, so there’s no possibility of getting lost.
I'm responsible for under 18's joining me for the cycling and running - where do I meet them?
Answer
If supervised, the under 18 who is joining you can cheer you on whilst you paddle by walking alongside the canal on the towpath and then run with you once you’ve dropped off your paddle board. Alternatively, they can meet you near the paddle storage area but will need to be supervised whilst waiting for you.
Why can't under 18s paddle board?
Answer
Sadly, the event’s insurance and permission conditions mean that we cannot allow persons under 18 years of age to take part in the paddle board section, either on their own paddle board or sitting on an adults board.
Is the event timed?
Answer
No. This is a fun, laid back challenge event rather than a competitive race. You are welcome to time yourself as we are planning to repeat the event next year so you can compare your times!
Will there be First Aid at the event?
Answer
Yes. The event is supported by Kentdale First Aid who will be providing two vehicles to ensure the safety needs of participants are covered.
Do I have to enter at my own risk?
Answer
Every participant will be asked to sign a waiver that declares they have decided to enter this event at their own risk and cannot hold the event organisers liable for any damage or incidents that may occur.
What will my entry fee go towards?
Answer
All entry fees go to the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC to help create an accessible ‘Towpath Trail’ from Kendal to Lancaster. As a community interest company, the event fees can only be used for this purpose and not for making a profit.
Unfortunately, due to the charitable nature of this event, we can’t afford the admin time to process refunds. Should you wish, you can transfer your place to another person. In such circumstances, you must let us know in advance of the event so we have the correct next of kin and participant information.
What will I get for taking part?
Answer
We have decided to give seed bombs to every participant as this is in-line with our ethos of encouraging biodiversity on the Towpath Trail, and not creating unnecessary waste.
Will there be food and drink available?
Answer
As this is a small-scale charitable event we won’t be providing food. Food is available at The Crooklands Hotel opposite the event field. Water will be available in the event field and at the end of the paddle board section – please bring your water bottles to refill!
Are there toilets?
Answer
Yes – there are toilets in the event field and at the paddle board storage area.
