Whilst this is a challenge not a race, teams are only allowed 20 hours to complete the course. There are checkpoints along the route where paddlers are required to sign in and sign out with one mandatory sleep at Trent Adventures opposite the Anchor Caves.  The clock will be paused at Trent Adventures and restarted the next day when teams leave the Caves.

At this time in October the weather average is a high of 11°C and a low of 4°C.  Sunrise is at 07:48 sunset at 17:48 and the hours of light: 9h 52m. Therefore, cut-off times will be associated with the 4 checkpoints based on the 20hour pace. Failure to checkpoint deadlines is grounds for disqualification. To finish this challenge in 20 hours is a huge accomplishment.

There are weirs and locks to portage around, strainers and shallows to avoid at all costs, boils to make your board do funny things and a few very short stretches of Class II rapids to keep you on your toes or knees if you prefer.  Any time you put yourself on the water, especially moving water, you assume a certain amount of risk.

The biggest hazard to paddlers will be obstacles in the river which include bridge pilings, strainers (obstacles in the river like tree branches) and catching fins on shallow sections (mainly on the inside of river bends). Other hazards to paddlers would be motorboats, fisherman, and the occasional rowing boat.

At the pre-race meeting and safety check, racers will be briefed on specific dangers, how to pass other river traffic correctly and what constitutes public property on the river.  Paddlers will also be provided with a series of dispatches leading up to the race with details on training, strategy and safety.

The Trent River is incredibly scenic and isolated in some sections, with wildlife and beautiful stretches to rival any big river challenge. But if you’re trying to get a fast time, you won’t have time to enjoy any of it.

Friday night will be a time to recover with good food and music hopefully around a camp fire weather permitting. You are passed the half way point so relax catch up with old friends and make some new ones, then time to get some sleep to prepare you for day two.

You will know the finish line is getting ever closer as the green fields turn to more urban surrounding you are entering into the city of Nottingham, home of Robin Hood and the finish line where you can finally put down you paddle, celebrate with your team mates to good food and music, and enjoy the stories and praise you rightly deserve.