READING Canoe Club is hosting the British National Open Marathon Racing Individual and Team Championships this Saturday and Sunday.

One of the country’s biggest canoeing events, the marathon is part of the British Canoeing Event Series.

Each year, the National Championships are organised by a nominated club on behalf of the British Canoeing Marathon Racing Committee, and local club Reading have been awarded this year's event.

A delighted Anita Seaford of Reading Canoe Club beamed: “It is always an honour to be running the most prestigious event in the GB Marathon calendar.

"With the great racing already seen this year from upcoming and established athletes, we expect the Nationals at Reading to be the biggest and best yet.”

At last year’s National Championships, more than 1,000 competitors took part with 58 National Champions being crowned and this year the event is set to be even bigger.

The Go Canoeing team will be on site to encourage spectators of all ages to try out their kayak machines and take on the challenge to beat the fastest time.

British Canoeing’s membership team will also be there, allowing people to sign up or renew their membership as well as find out the latest information and liaise with British Canoeing directly.

In addition, Hydrasport, British Canoeing’s merchandise partners, will be handing out free samples.

The event takes place at Thames Promenade, Richfield Avenue, on Saturday and Sunday.