The great river race

The challenging great river race is back for its 21st year this September, and it promises to be more popular than ever.

The gruelling 22 mile course along the River Thames will run from Ham in Richmond, Surrey to Island Gardens in Greenwich. All the contenders will be vying for the coveted title of UK Traditional Boat Champions, but with an estimated 300 craft expected to enter winning will be no easy task.

Every year people flock from all over the world to take part in what has now been dubbed the “other London Marathon”, entering in vessels that include gigs, skiffs, Viking longboats, Irish curraghs, wherries, Chinese dragon boats and Hawaiian war canoes. But the race also makes an excellent day out for the many observers who relax in the riverside pubs and along the embankment, watching all the action go by.

If you are interested in entering a team for the race this year, contact the organisers on 0208 398 9057 or email them at info@greatriverrace.co.uk.