Watch The Thames' Most Spectacular Event on Saturday
As over 300 traditional boats take part in the Great River Race
Head for the riverbank on Saturday to see the Thames' most spectacular event - the Great River Race.
As part of the Totally Thames Festival, the Great River Race - the 'Thames marathon' - will be run upstream from London Docklands in the east all the way to Ham in the west.
More than 300 boats from all over the UK and around the world compete in this race to find the UK Traditional Boat Champions.
The entry includes gigs, skiffs, cutters, currachs, jolly boats, naval whalers, Chinese dragon boats, Hawaiian war canoes, Viking longships, shallops, skerries, wherries and many, many more.
The 21.6 mile long race starts from Millwall Slipway at 12.45pm with the boats expected to sail under Wandsworth, Putney and Hammersmith Bridges from around 2pm onwards.
The leading boat is expected to cross the finish line, below Ham House in Richmond at around 3.45pm.
Serious competitors will be aiming to win the premier prize, the Challenge Trophy of The Company of Watermen & Lightermen and and become the UK Traditional Boat Champions in the process. Most will also be raising money for charity.
The event will end at Ham Riverside, below Ham House where there will be music, food, a bar and family entertainment.
September 24, 2014