Host club Falcon took the plaudits as more than 300 competitors took to the Thames.

The Oxford Midsummer Marathon, the biggest event in the club’s calendar, saw a wide range of competitions from under tens all the way to elite seniors.

Races were up to 12 miles and held between the Sandford and Osney locks, with competitors having to carry their kayaks at Donnington Bridge.

Falcon’s kayakers rose to the occasion, pipping Reading to win in the adult standings.

It maintained their strong challenge in the regional Hasler Series with two more events of the season remaining.

The home paddlers also did well in the Lightning races, held for under tens and under 12s.

They finished second, although Banbury & District dominated to claim a crushing victory.

Peter Travis, Falcon’s club president, said: “It’s a big event so we need to get the co-operation from local clubs, which is appreciated.

“I thought it was brilliant, what clubs like us try to do is put on both competitive races and non-competitive ones for those who want to enjoy themselves.

“If I had to single anyone out it would be our head junior coach, Jo Bates.

“Our youngsters did spectacularly well and deserve a mention.”

SENIORS 1 Falcon 231pts, 2 Reading 227, 3 Longridge 224, 4 Basingstoke 219, 5 Banbury & District 218, 6 Southampton 208, 7 Pangbourne 107, 8 Eyot Boat Club 36, 9 Newbury 30, 10 Wokingham 17, 11 Cokethorpe School 16, 12 Bourne End Jun SC 2, Juniors 1 Banbury & District 410, 2 Falcon 208, 3 Southampton 103, 4 Ealing 93, 5 Leamington Spa 39, 6 Reading 19, 7 Bourne End Jun SC 17, 8 Wey KC 17, 9 Longridge 16, 10 Pangbourne 16.