ICF Canoe Marathon Committee activities

Super Cup success 

To be part of such a fantastic event was great for the athletes and it was definitely a win-win for our sport, where we could show what marathon paddling is all about. With Canoe Marathon, Canoe Polo, Canoe Sprint and Canoe Slalom all taking place, it was an impressive showcase of canoe sport. It was also a chance for the athletes to learn about the other disciplines of canoeing. If we can continue this format, we will give the athletes a chance to be more in the picture at multiple events. Another important aspect was the togetherness with all the athletes, so we as a marathon can only be positive about this format. The distances paddled in marathon are the same distances that will be raced at next year's World Games in Chengdu, China with the 3.4 km short distance and 21 km long distance. It was good to see local participants giving China an idea of what to expect next year in Chengdu. For the results, click here. 

World Games test event 

To get a good idea of what is possible on the shores and water of Xinglong Lake, Canoe Marathon did a joint test event with Dragon Boat and some 200 paddlers Chinese participated at the end of October. This test event made it clear what can be done differently. High praise must go to the organisation who did their utmost to make it as we wanted. Unfortunately, not everything was possible within the given budget for this test event, but we got an excellent idea of what is possible and what can still be done. Online meetings have been planned with the various support groups and more will take place in the coming months. In any case, the organisation is doing its utmost to make it the best World Games ever. 

For The World Games 2025, all the quotas have been allocated and the following nations confirmed that they will participate in Chengdu from August 9 to 10, 2025.  

Men: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and China. 

Women: Argentina, Australia, Czechia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, France, Italy, South Africa and China. 

I am delighted that athletes from all continents will participate in Chengdu next year. 

Congress decisions 

At the ICF Congress in Antalya, Turkiye, members of the Canoe Marathon Committee were elected. There are only a few changes from the previous term. The new members are Delia Merayo from Spain and Jerry Dunn from Australia.  

The most important decision for our sport is that Paracanoe will now officially be included at our World Championships. We are eagerly looking forward to these races next year in Györ, Hungary where the World Championships will take place from September 4 to 7, 2025. Paddling the short distance in junior K1 at the European Championships has been a resounding success at these events for years. From 2025, this distance will also be paddled at the World Championships. To make the rules more readable for people whose native language is not English, many changes have been made to the rules for 2025. 

ITO exam in Thailand 

An International Technical Official exam was held in Thailand during the Asian Championships. This important moment marks another step forward in the development of technical expertise in this continent. 

The support of Miki Bando, the technical delegate for Canoe Marathon at the Asian Canoe Confederation, was excellent as well as the Thai hosts whose hospitality and great organisation played an indispensable role in the success of this event. 

This examination highlights our shared commitment to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and quality in the sport. 

The Asian Championships was a success, thanks in part to the efforts of the Thai organisers. 

Thailand has built a strong reputation as a sports event organiser and this event was no exception.  

In addition, Thai volunteers, together with sports federations and local authorities, ensured an unforgettable experience for athletes and visitors. The combination of professional organisation and cultural warmth enhanced the impact of the event in the region. 

By Ruud Heijselaar, Chair of the ICF Canoe Marathon Committee