Welcome to RACE TO THE CASTLE 2027
Is this your first year? or are you joining us for your "pair of castles" or your "triple castle" or is this your "four of a kind" year?
Event Overview
R2TC is an event that celebrates the strength, strategy, and courage it takes to commit to an ultra-distance paddle.
Race to the Castle is a fun, friendly, safe, and inclusive event open to all paddlers. Whether you enter solo, with friends, family, or as part of your SUP club, you’ll be joining a community of like-minded adventurers, paddlers and racers.
Take on the challenge. Battle the elements. Race to the castle.
Then celebrate together and swap stories at the finish.
Paddlers from across the UK and around the world have already taken part and we can't wait to welcome you.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 24th April 2027
Location: River Trent, UK
Distance: 40km
Type: One-way, downriver (fully navigable waters)
Start: Suspension Bridge, River Trent
Finish: Newark Castle
Portages: 5
Finish Highlight: “The Royal Finish” at Newark Castle
Event Format
You can take part in one of three ways:
Race Fleet: Test your speed, stamina, and strategy. Compete for BPs and podium positions.
Adventure Fleet: More time, same route. Ideal if you want to complete the challenge at your own pace.
Team Events: Share the journey with others, relay or paddle together as a group.
Awards
All finishers receive an official R2TC Finisher Medal and Top 3 Male & Female fastest paddler in each category will be crowned Kings & Queens of the River.
Registration
Registration will take place at Welbeck Hall, Nottingham on Event Morning between 530am - 8am via your wave start time, you can make your own way to registration or click and add the event logistics and shuttle service.
Event Logistics & Add-Ons
At the point of registration you will be asked if they would like to pre-book any of the following optional services:
- Event Day Parking Pass
- Overnight Car Park Camping Pass
- Shower Access Pass (pre and post-race)
- Shuttle Bus
These options are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to help us manage site capacity and keep the event running smoothly. Once you have selected your preferences during registration, you will receive a follow-up email with payment instructions to confirm and secure these extras.
Shuttle Bus & Transport Logistics
To make race day as simple and stress-free as possible, we operate a coordinated transport system between the start and finish locations.
Friday Evening – Board Drop-Off
Location: Welbeck Hall, Nottingham
Paddlers will drop off: Deflated SUP boards, paddles, pumps and non-essential gear
Event Morning – Shuttle Service
A dedicated shuttle bus service will run from Newark (finish area) to the start
Timing will be clearly communicated in the pre-event race briefing email
Paddlers will be transported together in waves to ensure a smooth start flow
Equipment Transport
All board bags and pumps will be transported by the event team from the start to the finish
This ensures you only need to paddle with your race setup and essential
Event Experience
The entire course will be fully supported by our on-water safety and event team, known as the Royal Crew.
They will provide:
Course guidance and directional support
On-water assistance where needed
Monitoring of all participants throughout the race
Our aim is to ensure a safe, well-supported, and professionally managed race experience from start to finish.Finish Line: Festival with event village at Newark Castle. Food, massage, music and celebrations.
After Party: Awards, dancing, food, disco and bar with fellow paddlers and crew at Newark Town Hall.
Sunday “Hangover Day”: Board Demo sessions, tasters sessions, and Yoga.
Please make sure to read all Timings, T&Cs and Safety in advance of sign up.
Stay updated with all the latest news on our Facebook Event Page
We can't wait to cheer you in at the castle