Thousands take to the Thames in London’s annual rowing challenge, with many raising funds for charity.
Rowers Compete in the Great River Race Along the Thames
Thousands take to the Thames in London’s annual rowing challenge, with many raising funds for charity.
Category: Sports
The annual Great River Race took place on Saturday, with thousands of rowers powering their way along the Thames in what organisers call London’s River Marathon. The race, which stretches 21.6 miles from Millwall in the southeast of London to Richmond in the southwest, saw up to 300 boats compete, including a diverse mix of crews in various vessels—many of which were dressed in fancy costumes.
Spectators lined the banks and bridges of the river, cheering on the participants as they navigated the challenging course. Among those taking part were young sea scouts, veterans, and an all-female crew from Beaumaris RNLI station in Anglesey, Wales. The Beaumaris team, raising money for the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, called the race a “no small feat.” They described the physical and mental challenges of rowing for three hours in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the RNLI, whose search and rescue operations save lives across the UK and Ireland.
The race is limited to “fixed seat” boats, and participants included everything from traditional Thames Watermen’s Cutters to other unique crafts. Crews are required to carry a passenger, a coxswain, and a flag measuring 3ft by 2ft, with a handicapping system in place to ensure fair competition.
More than 2,500 competitors, ranging from seasoned athletes to newcomers, competed for 37 trophies. The event is open to adult, junior, and disabled rowers, with junior crews needing an adult onboard to serve as a cox or passenger. The Great River Race Trust, alongside the Thames Festival Trust, manages the event, which began in 1988 with just 61 boats.
This annual race is not only a test of rowing skills but also a celebration of community and charity, with many participants using the opportunity to fundraise for important causes.
