Question 1

What is the order of the Crooklands Canalathon?

Accepted Answer

Each participant will start the event in their pre arranged 'Wave' together with 19 other participants (20 in total) by paddle boarding, then running or walking back to the event field.

Question 2

Can I complete the Canalathon in a different order?

Accepted Answer

No. All participants must complete the Crooklands Canalathon in the event order (paddle board then run or walk). It has been designed this way to prevent collisions on the canal which is too narrow to allow paddle boards to pass each other or set off in groups larger than 20.

Question 3

What is a 'Wave' and how do I know which wave to enter?

Accepted Answer

The Crookland Canalathon's 'Waves' are groups of 20 participants who have an allocated time to start the Canalathon. Each wave starts paddle boarding together from the event field. You can choose whichever wave suits your schedule, preference or group booking.

Question 4

Where will my wave start from?

Accepted Answer

Each Wave group will start from the same place - the event field opposite Crooklands Hotel. After registering, look for the large feather flag and Stef the paddleboard co-ordinator who will brief and then set each wave off!

Question 5

Where do I register on the day?

Accepted Answer

All participants will need to register before starting the event at the the gazebo on the event field (opposite Crooklands Hotel). Please bring your tickets so we can cross reference your next of kin details and provide you with your event number. Your event number must be visible at all times.

Question 6

When do I need to register?

Accepted Answer

We recommend participants register half an hour before their Wave start time. This will provide enough time to get yourself and paddle board to the starting area.

Question 7

What happens to my paddle board after the paddling section?

Accepted Answer

When you finish the paddle board section you will be supported to leave the canal and asked to carry your board to the paddle board storage area where a trailer will safely transport your board back to the event field on your behalf.

Question 8

Where will I pick up my board?

Accepted Answer

Your board will be returned to the event field and stored in wave bays so all you need to do is find your wave number and ask the event staff to help you find your board.

Question 9

How will you make sure my paddle board doesn't get mixed up with other participants?

Accepted Answer

When you register you will be given a sticker for your paddle board. The sticker will correspond with your participant number so when you collect your board from the event field at the end of the event the event staff can cross check your number with the paddle board number.

Question 10

Are there toilets?

Accepted Answer

Yes there are portable toilets in the event field and at the paddle board storage area.

Question 11

What should I wear?

Accepted 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 or walking in wet trainers! One solution is to paddle board in flip flops/wet shoes and put your trainers in a dry bag.

Question 12

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Accepted Answer

You're welcome to wear a helmet for paddle boarding but this is not compulsory due to the gentle nature of the event, instruction about paddling safely under the bridges will be  provided.

Question 13

Do I have to wear a life jacket?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to wear a life jacket but its not compulsory because your paddle board, when leashed to you, acts as a buoyancy aid. Our Paddleboard safety coordinator will demonstrate in the safety briefing how to use your paddle board as a buoyancy aid should you need to.

Question 14

Why can't under 18's paddle board?

Accepted Answer

The event’s insurance and permission conditions mean that we cannot allow under 18's to take part in the paddle board section.

Question 15

I'm responsible for under 18's joining me for the running section, where do I meet them?

Accepted Answer

If supervised, the under 18 who is joining you can cheer you on whilst you paddle by walking alongside on the Towpath and then run with you once you've completed the paddle section. OR they can meet you at the running start point but will need to be supervised whilst waiting for you.

Question 16

Do I have to enter at my own risk?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 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.

Question 17

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

Parking is provided for free on the event field, please see map.

Question 18

What will my entry fee goes towards?

Accepted 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 event fees can only be used for this purpose. If you agree that creating more accessible green space is a good thing - join us!

Question 19

If I decide not to come along, can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately due to the charitable nature of this event, we can't afford the admin time to process refunds. You can transfer your registered spot to another person. You must let us know in advance of the event so we have the correct next of kin and participant information.

Question 20

Will there be 1st aid at the event?

Accepted 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.

Question 21

Will I get a medal for taking part?

Accepted Answer

We have decided to give seed bombs to every participant instead of a medal as this is more in line with our ethos of encouraging biodiversity on the Towpath Trail and not creating unnecessary waste.

Question 22

Will there be food and drink available?

Accepted Answer

This is a small scale charitable event so 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!

Question 23

Is the running route sign posted?

Accepted Answer

The running route isn't signposted but it will be obvious where to go thanks to our volunteers! The running route is the paddle route in reverse and is along the towpath so there's no possibility of getting lost!

Question 24

Is the event timed?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a fun, laid back challenge event rather than a race. You are welcome to time yourself as we are planning to repeat the event next year so you can compare your times!

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