Warm sun shone down on paddlers taking part in the Fort Langley Canoe Club’s annual competition.

Three different races were run at the Fort Langley Canoe Club’s annual competition – two, six, and 20-kilometre distances - with athletes ranging from eight to 60-plus years of age.

Brian Malfesi from Maple Ridge took first place in both the two-and six-kilometre races; Eric Fast from Burnaby placed second in both races, as well.

Over the course of two hours, the marathoners paddled a total of 20 kilometres and portaged their boats up onto the Brae Island beach twice, all while enjoying the start of stunning summer-like weather.

Also showing their determination, several eight and nine-year-old paddlers raced two kilometres, which for some of them was their very first competition.

The six-kilometre race comprised of paddlers aged 13 to 18, many of whom are preparing for this year’s competitive kayaking season.

In the 20-kilometre race, Jim Nosella from Burnaby came in first. Mike and Cam Fitzmaurice - a father-and-son team also from Burnaby - placed second.

-files from Langley Advance