20 September 2023
By Tim Koch
Tim Koch captures some aquatic images at Hammersmith.
The Great River Race official website explains:
The Great River Race is London’s River Marathon. It’s a spectacular boat race covering 21.6 miles from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West, travelling under twenty-eight of London’s famous bridges. It appeals to every level of competitor, from dedicated athletes who come every year to beat their records to those who simply enjoy laughter, fancy dress and making money for their charity. It’s a great fun day out for both competitors and spectators.
It started in 1988 with sixty-one boats crewed by a bunch of enthusiasts ranging from young scouts to hardened offshore rowing veterans coming from diverse organisations such as rowing clubs, pubs, schools, boating societies and the armed services. It now has around 300 crews taking part and is an international event with competitors from America, Australia, and many European countries.
The GRR website continues:
This is a race for “fixed seat” only craft and a large variety of boats take part including the traditional Thames Watermen’s Cutters. The race is based on the Watermen principle and so each crew must carry a passenger and cox along with a 3’ x 2’ flag. A handicapping system is used to ensure fair play…
Adult, Junior and Disabled competitors are invited to take part. There are junior categories for under 14, 16 and 18 crews and veteran categories for V40+ and V60+… There are normally several mixed crews where 50% men and 50% women row and women only classes… In all classes the cox and / or passenger may change places with a rowing crew member as long as they adhere to the gender or age restrictions of that class…
The Great River Race is now a charitable trust run by volunteers and with over 2,500 competitors competing for thirty-six trophies, it has become the biggest and most prestigious event of its kind in Europe.
