If you happen to find the historic Oxford Cambridge boat race slightly staid, a tad twee, faintly formal or simply a bit stuffy, then there's an alternative that might have you splashing in the Thames with unadulterated joy.
The
Great River Race sees participants of all shapes and sizes in boats of all shapes and sizes rowing and paddling a whopping 21 miles from Docklands all the way to Ham, near Richmond.
The race has grown in size since it started back in 1988, and now more than 300 crews from around the world battle it out for aquatic supremacy – some taking taking it more seriously than others (blokes in ballerina outfits have been spotted). Yes, fancy dress is a big part of the event.
A vast array of boats can be viewed – past races have seen Viking long boats, outrigger war canoes, and Chinese dragon boats to name but a few - certainly not your usual Thames traffic, but a wonderful sight nonetheless.
Those judged to be the slowest rowers begin the race first (at 12.15pm, from Millwall Riverside, Docklands), with the most skilled leaving last, which (hopefully) makes for a gripping finish.
With the course being so long, you can pick and choose your viewing spot, or even catch the race at several points along the river. As a rough guide, leading rowers are expected to pass by Tower Bridge at 12.45pm, Westminster Bridge at 1pm, and Hammersmith Bridge at 1.50pm, rowing in to the finish with blistered hands and aching legs at around 3.15pm.
Don't forget the slower rowers though – they'll be up to two hours behind the leaders at the latter stages of the race, and no doubt in need of some moral support! A more comprehensive list of times/places can be found
here.
The Great River Race brings a whole load of colour, if not a little chaos, to one of the most famous waterways of the world, and spectators can go along and enjoy the event for free.
