EXETER'S dragon boat team, Exe-Calibre, will be going at a rather more sedate pace than usual as they undertake a marathon, 26.2 miles, along Tiverton Canal tomorrow.

The fully-dressed dragon boat with 18 paddlers, a helm and drummer will paddle along the canal to raise funds for club members selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in August.

Exe-Calibre has 14 paddlers planning to undertake trials in the next month, all of whom will be paddling on Saturday, supported by other committed club members.

The sport does not receive financial support and athletes competing at international level are completely self funding; covering costs including travel, accommodation and kit. With the World Championships taking place this year in Tampa Bay, Florida, this is likely to amount to in excess of £2,000 per athlete and the club felt it important to support its members by aiding fundraising.

Club coach Lisa Hayes said: "We are very grateful to the Grand Western Canal rangers for giving us permission to undertake this marathon on the beautiful canal.

"I hope the sun continues to shine as we'd love to see people along the banks and would welcome some cheers to help us along the way. The marathon will be a different kind of challenge to us, one of endurance rather than speed; all good training of course."

Exe-Calibre dragon boat team won promotion to the British Dragon Boat Premier League last year and, at the first event of this season, achieved club record times, coming third in the major final of the 500m event and winning the minor final of the 200m.

For a trial session contact club captain, coach and secretary Lisa Hayes at captain@execalibre.co.uk. The club would also welcome sponsors on www. execalibre.co.uk/Sponsorship.shtml.