This year's Great River Race will take place on Sat 8th September!
All members are welcome to put their names down, including novices and junior's. This year we hope will be the best attendance yet by hopefully introducing the GRR Cycle! This will be arranged on a separate post but we are looking into having a team cycle the Thames as a social event supporting our rower's, as some of you will remember the Legend that is Sian Attwell introduced this in 2014!
For those of you who are new to the club The Great River Race is London's River Marathon. A spectacular boat race up the River Thames, it attracts over 330 crews from all over the globe. The Great River Race appeals to every level of competitor! From dedicated athletes who like winning, to those who enjoy laughter, fancy dress and charity stunts, it's a great fun weekend away!
We will be departing Wiseman's bridge early Friday morning and stopping at Chippenham Pit Stop for lunch before arriving at Richmond to unload the boats and register for the race, souvenirs are available for purchase at the registration tent, these include books and t-shirts etc. Boats have to be launched for the tow down service by 6pm! We will then make our way to Shandon House Hotel or the campsite before meeting at The Red Cow Pub for drinks as is tradition. Please note We expect all rowers to help launch the boats as this can be tricky. We will then be dining at Bueneos Aires Argentinian Steak House. Please note a table will be booked for those travelling up together, however anyone arriving later may want to make their own arrangements. Also with camping there is a bbq available at the campsite on the Friday night.
Saturday morning is an early one as we will be catching the buses to the start line at 6.30am. Hot drinks, and bacon rolls etc are available at the start line and portaloos are also available. This is a great opportunity to take group photos and meet other rowers. The boats will need to be set up ready so you must be prepared to help there, but this is a fun event so enjoy yourselves

At the finishing line assistance will be needed to retrieve the boats as this is usually chaotic. The boats will need to be dragged up the bank and then dollied through to the trailer park so again we will need all hands at the ready but hopefully our cyclists will also be there to assist.
Food and drinks are available at the finishing line!
There is a party to follow, going back to the hotel to shower and change is optional. There is a fancy dress competition but usually involves a lot of waiting around when we could be drinking!
Cost for taking part in the race is as follows:-
Adults. £100 per person
Juniors £65.25 per person
(Prices include tow down service and bus to start line)
There is also a passenger boat for anyone who would like to follow the race without rowing or cycling, you would be responsible for bookingnthis yourself, please ask for further details but the cost would be:-
Adult £31.50
Child under 16 £15.75
Child under 6 Free
Family 2xAdult 2xChild £75
In addition to the race costs will be travelling costs (petrol and bridge), and accommodation which also has a separate post. Please see that post to reserve your room.
Please post below if you are interested...oh and did I mention It's fancy dress? 🤡