With nearly 300 crews rowing more than 21 miles of the Thames, the 2025 Great River Race is set to be the biggest event of its kind in Europe.
The date to remember is Saturday 20 September with spectators urged to start taking their places from 10.15am, when the first boat sets off from Docklands.
London's river marathon covers 21.6 miles from Millwall in the east to Richmond in the west, travelling under all the landmark bridges of the capital, including Hammersmith.
The race is for 'fixed-seat' craft only, including some venerable Thames watermen's cutters. Each crew has to include a passenger and a cox… and fly a flag measuring 3ft by 2ft. There's a handicapping system, to ensure everyone has an equal chance of success.
The fastest recorded race time in the event's history has been a smidgen over two hours, with all the craft passing under 28 bridges.
Organisers calculate that the race should reach Tower Bridge by around 10.45am, Waterloo Bridge by 11.15am, and Hammersmith Bridge shortly after midday.
The Great River Race began in 1988, when 61 boats – crewed by a bunch of enthusiasts ranging from scouts to old sea salts – took part.
Today it attracts competitors from the USA, Australia and across continental Europe.
Full details at the Great River Race website.
