ThruDark DW 2025 concludes with Barn Elms finish
The ThruDark Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race has concluded with the final day of the Stages Race, with paddlers completing their race at Barn Elms near Fulham, London.
Paddlers left this morning from Thames Young Mariners at Teddington in batches, and the atmosphere in the pens before leaving remained positive as they knew that this was the last push.
When they reached the orange buoys at the finish line, many of our paddlers were relieved that the hard work was finally over and that they could finally relax with their friends, families and team-mates.
Supporters were out in force at Barn Elms as we had more homemade signs appear, flowers given from family members, lots of sweets and most importantly lots of clapping for each crew that crossed the finish line. Emotions were running high as many supporters embraced their paddlers with pride once they reached the bank.
In terms of results, they remain the same as they have for the last four days, showing excellent consistency from the crews. In the junior doubles, Lovell and Cramer (Southampton CC & Worcester CC) retained their three hour lead, paddling to victory at Barn Elms. Barrett and Brown (Kimbolton School) and Phippard and Francis (Mount Kelly) came second and third, with brilliant times, showing determination right until the finish.
In other categories the leaders remain the same. In the Veteran-Junior’s, Davies and Davies (Wey KC) expanded their lead to two hours, winning this category. In our senior singles Durden (Elmbridge CC) continued his all-around brilliant performance with the overall shortest time of 15hours 51 minutes.
And Paddy McCormack won our SUP category with a time of around 23 hours, however both SUPs arrived to huge cheers on the river bank as they have completed an incredibly impressive task, as the first ever SUPs to complete in a class of their own.
So, the race draws to a close for another year. All the competitors, supporters and volunteers have shown amazing determination and support, and we hope to see you all next year!
Words by Hannah Webb