Well Paddled, RCC

The 2026 ThruDark Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race wrapped up on Easter Monday, 6 April, and we couldn't be prouder of the Richmond Canoe Club members who took on this extraordinary challenge.

125 miles, 77 portages, and the full length of the Kennet and Avon Canal and River Thames from Wiltshire to Westminster. This year, five RCC crews competed in the Senior Doubles and Stages Race:

• Anoushka Freeman and Robert Perry

• Ludy Hills and Carol McLaughlin

• Mark Louw and Giuseppe Seminara

• Rob Stainsby and Peter Loy

• Mariana Revesz.

A phenomenal effort from every one of them.

But perhaps the most memorable moment of this year's race didn't happen on the water.

During a rest stop, Robert Perry took the opportunity to propose to his paddling partner Anoushka Freeman – with a Haribo ring. She said yes. We think that earns them a bonus gold medal on top of everything else. Huge congratulations to them both.

To all our DW competitors: the training, the early mornings, the long paddle-outs – it all paid off. You represented RCC brilliantly.

Full results are available at dwrace.co.uk.