History at The 31st Great River Race

Since its launch in 1987, the Great River Race has attracted serious and leisurely racers from all over the world. The only precursors to joining are that you row only traditional vessels — with a cox, no moving seats and minimum of four oars — and that you carry at least one passenger. Inspired by the Coat and Badge Race, the Great River Race endeavours to preserve tradition in a grand culmination of competition and colour. Rowing enthusiasts from all over the globe gather to take part in this handicapped-race-slash-marathon-slash-river-based-festivity on its 31st year. The first team to finish gets to be the UK Traditional Boat Champions: the greatest of 34 prestigious titles at stake.

Spectators also get to join in the spectacle. Get together with fellow rowing enthusiasts before the competition starts and be there as it proceeds upriver. Sail alongside participating boat crews onboard spectator boats and witness the adrenaline rush as if you were there rowing with them. Revel in the sights of riverside establishments and historic landmarks along the River Thames, including the London Eye and the iconic London Tower, famous for its dark past and crown jewels. Visit famous landmarks as well such as the O2, the Houses of Parliament, Hampton Court Palace, Royal Museums and Observatory, and many others.If you have come on vacations and you are a part of this amazing river marathon then you would be looking for a comfortable stay and food. For this, you can search for restaurants in Kensington where you will be served the delicious food with the best dining facilities.

Register as a rower, skipper, or passenger and get to see London in a new light, rowing with your team from Millwall Slipway against the upstream current of the river Thames. Pull through the London wind with proudly waving flags from modern Docklands to pastoral Richmond. Navigate port and starboard on the river’s meanders and put your stamina and team spirit to the test, alongside winning boat crews like the Rafters and OCUK Men who placed 1st overall in 2012 and 2016, respectively. There are 21.6 miles and 28 bridges that await your passage.

Whether you’re a rower or spectator, you can be part of this grand celebration of camaraderie among traditional rowing enthusiasts. Cruisers and rowers get to join in the Great River Race’s culmination at Ham in Surrey on a family-friendly event filled with music, food and celebration. This riverside party starts at noon. Meet up with the boat crews in London a day prior to the race. Drive early to Millwall on race day and head back to the Park City Grand Plaza Kensington hotel London to finish off your day in total relaxation and comfort.