The Bradford Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race is the fourth oldest Marathon Canoe Race in Ontario. The race attracts participants from all over the province, including Canoeists, Kayakers, Stand Up Paddleboarders, and Outrigger Paddlers. With a variety of classes and race distances available, it offers an ideal opportunity for both beginners and competitive paddlers.
The Bradford Marsh Mash Course
The Bradford Marsh Mash takes place in the canal that surrounds the Holland Marsh and is considered to be one of the best canoe racing courses in Ontario. Safety is a top priority, and the race provides a safe and secure environment for all participants. The canal offers long stretches of open water, approximately 2.8m deep throughout, with no rocks, rapids, or portages. While there may be a few weeds, it is generally a very safe course.
The Race
The race will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 with all classes starting from Sovereign Grace Church (1466 5th Sideroad, Bradord). Races start at 10am, however altheletes should register and check in between 8 and 9am.
Racing Classes
The race has different classes for various ages, skill and fitness levels broken down by distance and boat type.
| 28 km (full circuit) Senior ICF K1 Open Senior ICF C1 Open Marathon C2 Open Marathon C2 Mixed Stand-up Paddleboard Open | 18 km Junior ICF K1(M&W) Senior ICF K1(W) Open Kayak Open Marathon C1 |
| 9km Recreational Canoe Open Recreation Kayak Men Recreation Kayak Women Recreational OC1 Open Stand-up Paddleboard Open | 6km Under 15 Kayak Open (Sprint) Under 13 Kayak Open (Sprint) Adult Child Open |
World Team Qualifier
The Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race was designated as a World Team Qualifier, meaning that aspiring kayakers who aimed to represent Canada at the World Marathon Canoe and Kayak Championships were required to compete in a qualifying race to secure a spot on the team.
Marsh Mash History
The Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race was first organized in July 1979 by Janice Matichuck and Peter Puddicombe. The race took place on a 27.5 km course that surrounded the Holland Marsh, and was supported by local merchants, the South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, and the Moro family.
After the first year, the Conservation Authority took over the organization of the event, but in the mid-eighties, funding issues led to Iain Craig taking over. The race start/finish location was moved to the Portuguese Cultural Centre in the mid-1980s, and in 2001, it moved to the Springdale Christian Reformed Church.
By 2007 the race date moved to May to avoid conflicts with other events, and it became a World Team Qualifier. The 2013 race saw two Olympic Medalists in attendance. The number of Stand Up Paddleboard competitors has been increasing, and starting in 2022, the race returned to the original 28 km course.
The race is now operated by a partnership with Iain Craig and his family with the BWG Community Services Department.
If you would like to find out more information about the course, the race classes or how to enter you can visit the event’s official page at https://www.townofbwg.com/en/recreation-culture/marsh-mash.aspx
