About the Marathon
The first Dalsland Canoe Marathon took place in 2006. Since then, the event has grown to become Sweden's largest canoe marathon, attracting attention from all corners of the canoe and kayak community. The competition is also now becoming much better known outside of Sweden, with participants from many different countries including a growing number from the UK.
The route is 55km in length and attracts both the elite and those who paddle for exercise and pleasure. The Dalsland Canoe Marathon is a tough challenge, but a hugely enjoyable one!
It takes around 4.5 hours for the elite to finish the race - in 2009, the winner of the Dalsland Canoe Marathon was Jacob Holst with a time of 4 hours 19 minutes and 30 seconds, while the fastest female competitor was Alexandra Nielsen in 4 hours 52 minutes and 24 seconds.
Maximum Times
For those who would like to take things a little easier, the slowest canoes normally finish in around 12 hours, when the race also closes.
Participants who have not passed Gustavsfors (just over halfway) by 15.00 must finish the race at this point.
Adult Course
The start point for the Dalsland Canoe Marathon is from a stunning setting on the shores of Lake Laxsjön. The course finishes 55km later in the small town of Bengtsfors, where after-race activities are laid on for both spectators and participants.
Junior Course
The junior race starts in Gustavsfors, finishing at the same point as the adults in Bengtsfors. The junior course is 20.7km in length and junior class is open to participants aged from 12 up to 18.
The Route
See here for a map of the route and staging points.
| START: Baldernäs to Skåpafors | Skåpafors to Skifors | Skifors to Gustavsfors | Gustavsfors to Herranäs | Herranäs to END: Bengtsfors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake: | Laxsjön | Svärdlång | Västra Silen | Lelång | Lelång |
| Distance: | 6.5km | 13.7km | 14.1km | 11.2km | 9.5km |
| Height above sea level: | 76m | 95m | 97m | 94m | 94m |
Classes
Depending on the level at which you wish to compete, whether you wish to paddle solo or with a partner and in canoe or kayak, there are a number of entry classes to choose from for the Dalsland Canoe Marathon:
Adult:
- K1 elite (max length 5.2 metres, male and female classes)
- K1 single kayak (male and female classes)
- K2 double kayak (male and female classes)
- K2 mixed (male/female class)
- C2 double tourist Canadian canoe (male and female classes, mixed couples should register under the male class)
Junior:
- K1 single kayak (male and female classes)
- K2 double kayak (male and female classes)
- C2 double tourist Canadian canoe (male and female classes)
Mixed junior couples should register under the male class.
Prizes
Prizes are awarded for the first male and female competitors in K1 Elite class:
- First prize: 10,000 SEK (about £900)
- Second prize: 7,000 SEK
- Third prize: 5,000 SEK
- Fourth prize: 3,000 SEK
- Fifth prize: 2,000 SEK
- Sixth prize: 1,000 SEK
For all other classes, the top six competitors in each class receive a gift certificate. All participants completing the course before the race closes also receive a medal.
Rules
- During the course, some lifts are involved. At each lift point there are canoe trolleys to assist you, but please bear in mind that there may be a queue for use of these. Non-participants may not assist competitors with the lifts, only the competitors themselves. There are jetties at every lift location.
- Minimum age for adult course (55km): 18 years
- Age limit for junior course (20.7km): 12-18 years
- All participants (except those entering in Elite class) must wear a buoyancy aid. All participation is at own risk.
Maximum number of participants
Up to 2000 persons can take part in the Dalsland Canoe Marathon.
During the race
The Dalsland Canoe Marathon is as much about taking part and having fun as it is about competing. Take time to enjoy yourselves at the staging depots - treat yourself to a relaxing massage and make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
Dalsland is a beautiful natural area - please ensure that you dispose of any litter appropriately.
After the race
Enjoy a well-deserved shower and some food! There are showers within walking distance of the finish line and all participants will be served a hot meal.
In the evening, you have the opportunity to celebrate with an end-of-race crayfish party (open to both spectators and participants, pre-booking essential) - a real Swedish cultural experience!