Time lapse of the 2025 Great River Race.- shows the scale of the event
Have You Ever Heard of the Great River Race
No, nor had I until I was invited to attend as part of the safety fleet.
In effect 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.
The rules for this River Race are simple. There are fixed seats. Dragon boats are not allowed because they like to sink.
The rules are based on the Watermen principle. Each vessel must carry a passenger and a cox. It also needs a 3’ x 2’ flag.
The event started in 1988 with 61 local boats. It has now grown into a major international event.
Competitors from America, Australia, and many European countries are taking part.
It is the largest rowing race in the UK when you consider the number of people on the water at the same time.
This is where the RIBs come into play.
To keep this many rowers safe takes a herculean effort by the RIB community.
Northern Exposure Rescue work with the Port of London to assemble no less than 35 safety boats.
This is the largest grouping of RIBs in England. It beats the Annual Pasty Run into 2nd place.
Only the Easdale Rendezvous tops it as far as meet-ups go across the British isles.
(The story continues below the gallery. Click to enlarge the photo.
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