Race through London on 16 September!
Entries for the 21.6 mile 2023 Great River Race from Millwall to Ham close on 1 August
The 34th Great River Race is open to any traditional style (fixed seat) coxed boat powered by a minimum of four oars or paddles, and carrying a separate passenger (individuals can change roles during the race). These rules emulate the craft of London’s Watermen, the water taxis who carried passengers across the Thames when London Bridge was the only alternative crossing. Now, of course, are many more bridges; crews will race under 28 of them as they progress (with the tide) from challengingly rough conditions in the first third of the race, up the Tideway – known to classic rowers as the Tideway, to the calmer waters around Richmond near the finish.
It appeals to every level of competitor, from young novice scouts to hardened coastal rowing veterans determined to beat their previous records. Of course, many simply enter to have fun (fancy dress is popular) and often to make money for charities. It’s a great day out for competitors and spectators, many hundreds of whom look down from London’s bridges.
This popular event usually attracts over 200 boats of all types – and speeds. Several of the City’s livery companies such as the Worshipful Companies of Founders, Tallow Chandlers and Glaziers will be entering in their splendid Company Barges. International crews already entered include boats from the Netherlands, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.
