A MAN from Monmouth has battled through the night to complete the annual Devizes to Westminster canoe race. Paul Carpenter, 47, completed the gruelling track with Sam Clarke, 32 from Hereford. The 125 mile race has been running since March 1948 with participants battling physically and mentally against the river. The race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire and finishes opposite the Houses of Parliament in London. The route follows the Kennet and Avon Canal for 52 miles, then joins the River Thames to Teddington with contestants paddling a further 55 miles. The final push is over a 17 mile tidal portion of the Thames. Originally a rower, Mr Carpenter decided to take up kayakking a year ago when he joined the Hereford rowing Club. It was at the club that he heard several members discussing the Devizes to Westminster race. "After hearing some of the men talking about the race I knew I wanted to take part. "I enjoy a challenge so I fancied doing this." Although this was Mr Carpenter's first canoeing event, he is no stranger to competitive sports, with several completed rowing races under his belt including the Boston rowing marathon. "This race was far more mentally challenging than the others. We set off at midday and paddled through the night. "It's difficult because you've got to negotiate portages and there are 77 in the event. "We were supported by a team of eight or nine people including family members and friends of the Hereford Rowing Club. "Seeing your family and friends there in itself was excellent. It was a God-send to see friendly faces to encourage and push you forward. "The most challenging portion of the event was the mental side of it and trying to manage your body. You have to keep yourself fuelled up and have to force feed food, even if you're not hungry." The event took its toll on many competitors; out of 198 starting in the senior men category, of which Mr Carpenter was entered, 51 didn't finish the race. Mr Carpenter prepared for the arduous route by training for three to four hours a day in Hereford, using static paddling machines. "I did some of my training at night to prepare myself for canoeing in the dark which put me in good stead for the competition." The pair completed the race in 22 hours, 22 minutes and eight seconds, "it was a long race, so we were overjoyed to complete it in that time. "I'd definitely do the race again and I thrive on pushing myself. It's one of the toughest and beset things I've done." Mr Carpenter will be taking part in a shorter race this Sunday in Birmingham where he will complete an eight mile route.