Pangbourne Hasler 2023
On Sunday 10th September the 54th Marathon Race was held at Pangbourne on the Meadow. It was a great success with over 360 paddlers taking part. It started as a hot day followed by a short sharp shower which did not affect proceedings. The day was full of competitive and exciting racing with plenty of support from spectators, friends and family. A good turn out with many competitors from many different regions. There was a variety of refreshments available notably from the 1st Purley and Pangbourne Scouts providing a substantial BBQ as well as our own cakes and soft drinks for sale. We are very grateful for the help provided by over 60 volunteers.
We will be back for the 55th Marathon race on Sunday 15th September 2024. Come back to the website for more information nearer the time.
A series of long-distance, flat-water races, where points are awarded in regional races throughout the racing season (Sept 1st to Aug 31st) and the highest-ranking clubs in each region compete in the Hasler Finals for the Hasler Trophy in Sept/Oct each year hosted by different clubs around the country.
Its named after Major Herbert “Blondie” Hasler DSO, OBE, a distinguished Royal Marine officer in World War II who famously paddled 85 miles upstream, at night, into occupied France in a successful attempt to blow up enemy shipping and survived to tell the tale. The Hasler Trophy has been competed for since 1957.
The Hasler Trophy series is open to all and can be raced in K1/K2 /C1/C2 boats. At each event, hosted by various clubs at different venues, there are races over the 9 divisions: divs7/8/9 racing approx 4 miles, 4/5/6 approx 6miles and divisions 1/2/3 racing approx.12 miles.
Specifically for younger paddlers under 14 years age, who are not ranked in a div 8 or above. Paddlers race over approximately 2miles in one of the three age/speed based categories, and are promoted through them based on speed on the day.
Pangbourne has hosted an annual Hasler Race over many years (our 50th in 2019) at several different venues along with Hasler Finals in the past. The Club is proud to have been hosts of The National Championships in 2013 and 2017.
Our Hasler is always well attended; racing taking place on a popular stretch of the River Thames where we welcome participants, supporters and volunteers to a fun filled day.
Excellent facilities including parking on Pangbourne Meadow, refreshments and toilets. For more information see our FB page or contact us on [email protected]