Sir Steve Redgrave, the five-times Olympic rowing champion, has been confirmed as a starter in the senior doubles section of the gruelling Devizes to Westminster canoe race this Easter.

As reported in the Gazette a few months ago, Sir Steve took up kayaking last year and his participation follows the success of his former Olympic crewmate James Cracknell in the 125-mile endurance race three years ago.

Sir Steve will join hundreds of kayakers and canoeists for the race, dubbed the canoeists’ Everest. Fellow Olympians Ben Hunt-Davis and Sarah Winckless will also pair up to take on one of the toughest endurance events in the world.

While junior doubles crews and others intending to overnight at camp sites along the route will leave Devizes Wharf on Good Friday, the senior doubles crews will leave on Easter Saturday, paddling day and night to reach the finish line by Westminster Bridge in central London.

More than 500 people in single and double kayaks are expected to take part in the 2012 race.

Sir Steve’s former rowing partner, James Cracknell, has been giving his old crewmate some advice. Mr Cracknell said: “Test your race food, use a narrow boat for speed, run the locks and get a support crew that will push you.

“It’s rubbish being unable to use your legs to the same extent as in rowing, but at least you’re going forwards.”

Mr Cracknell, who took part in 2009, has set Sir Steve a challenge of beating his time – 20 hours, 26 minutes. The course record, set in 1979, stands at 15 hours and 34 minutes.

In fact, canoeists do use their legs, carrying boats around obstacles such as locks and weirs – called portages. There are over 70 of them along the length of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Many entrants will be raising cash for a host of charities.

Locally, there will a large entry from Devizes Canoe Club and Dauntsey’s School. The race for juniors, singles and ‘endeavour’ class entrants will take place from 7am on Good Friday, when Devizes MP Claire Perry will start them off.