The Great River Race Entries Now Open!

The Great River Race is a spectacular fixed seat rowing event covering 21.6 miles of the River Thames from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West. 

London’s first River Marathon took place in 1988 with 61 boats. On 21st September 2024, 35 years later, around 2,500 rowers will compete for the chance of winning 1 of the 37 trophies available.

The Great River Race is now an international event with competitors from America, Australia, and many European countries taking part.

Jeremy Randall, Chairman of the Great River Race Trust sums it up as, “It’s the biggest event of its kind in Europe attracting crews from around the world. They come to row the 21.6 miles on the Thames, travelling under all of London’s 28 bridges and past iconic attractions such as the Tower of London, the London Eye and Big Ben. Age is no barrier with competitors from under 14 to mid-eighties, all determined to race and to enjoy London’s river marathon.”   

Rooted in rich tradition and heritage, the Great River Race is exclusively for ‘fixed seat’ boats. You can expect to see a range of traditional craft including Solent Galleys, Thames Watermen’s Cutters, Celtic Longboats and River Teign Seine Boats among others.

97 gigs entered the Great River Race in 2023. Three crews from Tamar and Tavy Gig Club will be heading to London later this year to take part in the epic race. Tamar and Tavy member Jeremy Lawence commented: 

“Tamar and Tavy Gig Club have participated in the annual Great River Race for many years. We often take three gigs and a compliment of up to thirty crew members and supporters and the event is considered by all to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding weekends in the gig rowing calendar.”

Photo credit: Tamar & Tavy Gig Club

So what are you waiting for? The thrill of the race awaits!

Head over to the Great River Race website to enter.