I was out on Windermere about a month ago - there was some sort of organised kayak/canoe event going in the opposite direction, I think they were paddling the length of the lake from Waterhead to Lakeside. The leading boat (or at least the first one that we saw) was a double going at a real pace. But I dont think they were stopping to run, and I dont think it was actually a race. I like the sound of this one though.