Geelong Canoe Club is holding a marathon race come and try day on Sunday 31 May 2026 to support two of our young athletes who have made it to the Worlds this year:
- Alexis Jane who has been selected in the Australian Under 23 Marathon team. Alexis is heading to the World Under 23 Canoe Marathon Championships on 22-25 October 2026 in Argentina.
- Thomas Russell who has been selected in the Australian Junior Sprint kayak team. Tom is heading to the World Junior & Under 23 Canoe Sprint Championships on 1-5 July 2026 in Halifax Canada.
About the event
There is no entry fee but to join in this event participants are asked to make a donation to either Tom, Alexis or both.
Location: Geelong Canoe Club, 11 Marnock Road Newtown
Date: 31 May 2026
Check in closes: 9.30am
MARATHON COME AND TRY RACE: starts 10.00am. Course: 6km laps between Geelong Canoe Club and Queens Park Bridge. Choose your race distance: 3 kms, 6kms, 12kms, 18kms. Further race details are on the registration page. There will be five craft classes: Kayaks/Skis, Canoes, Doubles (any double craft), Sit On Top (SOTs), Stand Up Paddleboard(SUPs). *All paddle craft allowed except foils.
GENERAL COME AND TRY: starts 11.00am. This community session is for those who want to come and try paddling and have a little fun trying different craft while also supporting our two young athletes. All equipment and instruction will be provided.
Event flyer: GCC marathon come and try fundraising day flyer
Course details: GCC marathon and come and try fundraising day course details
Our permit to run this event: Declaration of Boating Activity Exemption from Corangamite CMA
More information including Alexis and Thomas's profiles, and how to enter is on South West Race Management's website: https://www.swracemanagement.com/send-alexis--tom-to-the-worlds.html
Help our athletes get to the championships
If you can't make it but would like to support these young athletes you can make a donation through their Australian Sports Foundation fundraising pages:
NOTE: We initially had a placeholder date of 30 May so please note the change and that it's now confirmed for 31 May 2026.
