Avon Descent: Kings of the Valley smash record by 11 seconds after two-day race

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Avon Descent: Kings of the Valley smash record by 11 seconds after two-day race

Excellent conditions made for an Avon Descent to remember as recent rainfall delivered record-breaking results and sunshine brought punters to the sidelines for the two-day race.

This year’s Avon Descent saw a new record for the sports-class powerboat, as the M2 Techology team of Micheael Prosser and Justin Green finished the 124km race in one hour, 59 minutes and 19 seconds, taking the win for the second year in a row and beating the previous record by 11 seconds.

The duo took home the Hodgkins Plate King of the Valley for the fastest race time.

Luke Dooley won the ultra-marathon in the single kayak category in around 8 hours and 15 minutes, narrowly taking the crown from back-to-back reigning champion Ben Carrick.

National open marathon champion Josh Kippin and partner Brendan Rice took out top spot for the relay team of 2 category — beating Olympian Jesse Phillips and world ocean racing and SUP champions Cory Hill and Michael Booth.

Avon Descent Association chair Greg Kaeding said despite concerns earlier in the year about low water levels, this year’s conditions were among some of the best.

“A few months ago we had concerns this year’s race would be a foot race, but in the end we actually saw higher water levels this year than in 2023,” he said.

Camera IconAvon Descent Association chair Greg Kaeding said despite concerns earlier in the year about low water levels, this year’s conditions were among some of the best. Pictured: Matthew Even and Matthew Thur. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West ***********data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconThe duo took home the Hodgkins Plate King of the Valley for the fastest race time. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West ***********data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconKaeding said a new short-course Avon Challenge options brought out competitors of all types, pitting dragonboats, sups, kayaks and canoes all on the same stretches of river. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West ***********

“The weather gods were good to us. Good rainfall in the catchment on Wednesday meant that we had excellent water levels, making for a wet and wild race.”

Kaeding said a new short-course Avon Challenge options brought out competitors of all types, pitting dragonboats, sups, kayaks and canoes all on the same stretches of river.

He said the famous WA race had become popular across generations of families.

“Now an intergenerational event, we’re seeing people’s grandkids do it… It’s such an inspiration to see the diversification of craft and people joining the event over the years,” he said.

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