Regarded as the rowing equivalent of the London Marathon, the Great River Race is bursting with colour, spectacle, intense competition and casual fun. Due to tides, for the first time in its 22-year history, the 2009 race will be run upstream, starting at Millwall Slipway and finishing with a spectacular riverside party at Ham. The extensive course takes crews from the industrial cityscape of Docklands all the way along the Thames to the idyllic semi-rural Richmond shores. The idea for this Herculean test of strength and endurance was inspired by a 1987 charity event in which a passenger barge rowed from Hampton Court to the Tower of London. Entries have snowballed from a mere 72 entrants to a massive 300 boats carrying over 2,000 competitors, racing for 35 trophies. This prestigious event is a fun day out for all the family. Those not competing can take a picnic and settle down to watch the action or follow the winding course right to the heart of the city. Festivities along the river at Richmond will begin at noon with live music, a children's beach, donkey rides and food and drink stalls. The winning boat is expected to cross the line at around 2.10pm.
W Martyn
135 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 3RS
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Traditional Toys
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Selfridges Christmas Shop
400 Oxford Street, W1A 2LR
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Northfield Farm
Central Aisle, Borough Market, SE1 1TL
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Covent Garden Fishmongers
37 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1RG
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The rivalry between the country's top two universities takes to the rugby pitch for this annual sporting battle at Twickenham. Now in its 128th year, ...More
61 - 63 Petersham Road,Richmond Upon Thames,
TW10Map
21 minutes walk from The Great River Race 2009
This cosy hotel, housed inside a wonderfully restored Georgian townhouse, retaining many of its original features, blends seamlessly into the semi-rural environs of Richmond. Ornate ... More
Perched on the edge of the River Thames, this 17th-century Stuart mansion combines extensive formal gardens with a lavish interior that belies the ... More
The waterside Palladian villa, Marble Hill House, was built for Henrietta Howard, the mistress of King George II when he was Prince of Wales. Set ... More
Langton's Bookshop, established in 1950, is Twickenham's oldest independent bookseller offering a wide selection of current and classic titles. As well as the books on ... More
Marks and Spencer (M&S) is one of Britain’s most reliable and trusted stores, famed for selling high quality food, clothing and lingerie and household goods. ...More
Highly recommended by Twickenham residents, this delightful deli stocks a huge array of delicious produce including cheese, charcuterie, olives, jams, chutneys, sauces, oil and ... More
When a top chef claims to be opening a 'simple', 'low-key' restaurant, it is usually press-speak for some folie de grandeur two doors down from ... More
These extensive formal and historic gardens perched on the edge of the River Thames are attached to the 17th century Stuart mansion Ham House. In ... More
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Regarded as the rowing equivalent of the London Marathon, the Great River Race is bursting with colour, spectacle, intense competition and casual fun. Due to tides, for the first time in its 22-year history, the 2009 race will be run upstream, starting at Millwall Slipway and finishing with a spectacular riverside party at 
