July/August 2023 - Date to be released

My Marathon Challenge at 60

I will be undertaking my very first 26 mile marathon, not on London's tarmac but on one of London's canals, in an inflatable kayak on the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal. My knees aren't up to pounding the roads of London so I will ebe xchanging the lower body for upper body strength to achieve the 26 mile challenge.

The Paddington Arm

The canal opened on 10 July 1801. The Paddington Arm is a great place to kayak, whether you’re interested in history and architecture, the inner city wildlife or simply looking for an escape from everyday life.

The 13-mile long waterway is lined with evidence of its industrial past. From old factories and warehouses to the landing platforms at Kensal Rise Cemetery, where coffins used to arrive by narrowboat, the Paddington Arm is a history enthusiast’s dream.

https://www.ukwaterwaysguide.co.uk/map/grand-union-canal/paddington-arm

Why the Paddington Arm?

I have chosen the Paddington arm as it is non tidal, non flowing, therefore there will be no help in completing this challenge, as if it was undertaken on a flowing river. Every paddle counts! I stop paddling, I stop moving. It is exactly 13 miles out to Bulls Bridge in Hayes where it joins the Grand Union Canal and 13 miles back into Little Venice, Paddington Central London.

My Kayak

The 1/2 person kayak is a rigid inflatable 4.40m long, 85cm wide, therefore not the smallest or fastest of kayaks in the water and it will also be affected by any wind on the day which will add to the challenge.

Live Tracking

On the day, you will be able to track my progress live with an online link that wll be posted here.

Completion

I hope to complete the challenge in under 10 hours. The most I have paddled to date is 13 miles, so 26 miles is going to be a challenge for sure, for my arms and for my "Bottom"!

Fundraising

The money raised will help fund GiG's Circular Community Lending Scheme

https://www.godisgiving.org/interest-free-grant-scheme.html

GiG's process of "Circular Community Lending " is where the Grant recipient makes a monthly voluntary donation back to GiG where the funds then become available to someone else in the community.

The lending scheme is built on Trust & Respect with a fundamental belief in people, giving the Grant recipient the Dignity of being a Giver.