What Is It?
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 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. More information is available on the website “The Great River Race”
When Is It?
Saturday, 20th September 2025. Entries open 1st of April 2025.
How do I get to take part?
An inaugral meeting for for participants and helpers will be held at the YARN bar / restaurant (4 Smith Street, Dartmouth) at 7pm on Tuesday 1st April 2025.
London River Race Meeting – 1st April 2025
Website for information https://greatriverrace.org.uk.
RDRC Participation
All your questions on race organisation can be found here. Below you’ll find information specific to our club.
Those who are committing to take part in the Great London River Race must submit their
interest via email to riverdartrowingclub@gmail.com by 30th April 2025.
What is the date of the race? 20th September 2025
How far is the row? 21.6 miles, 28 bridges
How long time-wise is the row? You can expect the row to take between 3 and 3.5 hours –
tide and crew depending. However, expect to be on the river for up to an hour before and after
the race.
What can I expect? A fantastic experience, great atmosphere and a lifetime of memories!
What is the financial commitment? £75 per person in the boat. Accommodation costs.
Team t-shirt cost (or fancy dress if your team choose to dress up). Towing fuel costs split
between 6. If the crew chooses to launch the boat at Ham, there is a cost incurred for having it
towed to Millwall Slip on the Saturday. If the crew chooses to have the boat craned out at the
finish, there is an additional cost.
What is the team set up in the boat? Team of 6 made up of a stern trio of 3 coxes (1 of whom
must be an experienced cox), a bow trio. Rowers will rotate in their trio throughout the race
every 30-40 minutes.
What is the time commitment on the weekend of the race? 2 night stay in London (at the
river race campsite or a hotel / b&b of your choice) on the Friday and Saturday.
What is expected of me as a crew member? Everyone is expected to play their part. You
must:
- be committed to training with your team and ensuring you are fit to row the course.
- play your part in prepping the boat e.g. hauling out, scraping clean, anti fouling
- play your part in trailering the boat up to London, launching her, recovering her
What training can I expect? Simon is offering London training rows focusing on technique and
stamina. Keep an eye out for these as they will be in addition to our normal rowing schedule.
London River Race Meeting – 1st April 2025
Website for information https://greatriverrace.org.uk.
All your questions on race organisation can be found here. Below you’ll find information specific to our club. Those who are committing to take part in the Great London River Race must submit their
interest via email to riverdartrowingclub@gmail.com by 30th April 2025.
What is the date of the race? 20th September 2025
How far is the row? 21.6 miles, 28 bridges
How long time-wise is the row? You can expect the row to take between 3 and 3.5 hours –
tide and crew depending. However, expect to be on the river for up to an hour before and after
the race.
What can I expect? A fantastic experience, great atmosphere and a lifetime of memories!
What is the financial commitment? £75 per person in the boat. Accommodation costs.
Team t-shirt cost (or fancy dress if your team choose to dress up). Towing fuel costs split
between 6. If the crew chooses to launch the boat at Ham, there is a cost incurred for having it
towed to Millwall Slip on the Saturday. If the crew chooses to have the boat craned out at the
finish, there is an additional cost.
What is the team set up in the boat? Team of 6 made up of a stern trio of 3 coxes (1 of whom
must be an experienced cox), a bow trio. Rowers will rotate in their trio throughout the race
every 30-40 minutes.
What is the time commitment on the weekend of the race? 2 night stay in London (at the
river race campsite or a hotel / b&b of your choice) on the Friday and Saturday.
What is expected of me as a crew member? Everyone is expected to play their part. You
must:
- be committed to training with your team and ensuring you are fit to row the course.
- play your part in prepping the boat e.g. hauling out, scraping clean, anti fouling
- play your part in trailering the boat up to London, launching her, recovering her
River Dart Rowing Club 