The Great River Race

12:55. HAM , RICHMOND - Here the Race starts, in semi-rural Surrey as the tide begins to run out...
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13:10. RICHMOND BRIDGE- The first crews away on handicap are approaching the bridge around an hour before the last of the 300-odd fleet has even started. The waterfront crowds cheer on the early leaders.
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13:40. KEW GARDENS - With the head of the Race still in a country setting, back at Ham there are over 150 boats yet to start.
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13:55. CHISWICK BRIDGE - The leading, slower, crews have been on the river for around an hour and even the novices are finding their rhythm and settling in.
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14:25. HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE - Over a third of the way down the course and the lunchtime crowds thronging the pubs on the northern bank have nearly two more drinking hours in which to encourage the passing crews.
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14:40. PUTNEY BRIDGE - While the best crews in slower boats still are hanging on to their lead, the faster boats and more powerful competitors are beginning to show their speed and move rapidly through the field.
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14:50. WANDSWORTH BRIDGE- An increasingly-urban skyline heralds the half-way point and the knowledge that tired limbs are getting maximum assistance from the outgoing tide.
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15:00. BATTERSEA BRIDGE - From now until the Tower, the almost-continuous riverside promenades make perfect vantage points from which to see the handicap having its effect.
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15:15. LAMBETH BRIDGE - With Lambeth Palace on the right and the Houses of Parliament opposite, the crews have to maintain concentration to stop sightseeing.
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15:20. WESTMINSTER BRIDGE - The closed-up fleet of traditional boats makes a spectacular sight as it passes Big Ben and London's historic riverfront, but the crews are more concerned with negotiating the tricky currents to be found around the bridges.
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15:35. TOWER BRIDGE - A favourite with spectators, who love to watch the crews fighting for position as they approach its majestic arch. Some crews "... think it's all over", but they've still got four miles to catch up - or be caught
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16:10. ISLAND GARDENS, GREENWICH - Past Canary Wharf, a finish vessel anchored on the finish line, comes into view. The winner of The Challenge Trophy of The Company of Watermen & Lightermen of The River Thames crosses the line to tumultuous applause - and a broadside!
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So that is the course. But there are around 250 more boats vying, over the next couple of hours, for honours in 35 classes, and as many stories to be swapped in the clubhouse and community centre bars. "Never again", is heard frequently, but soon crews and supporters are beginning to think about the next race.

Then it's on to the awards ceremony, at about 17.30, and the traditional post-Race party.

We look forward to seeing you beside the river even if you can't raise a crew to take part, and who knows, now may be the time when you decide "We could do that"!

So have a very happy 2007 Great River Race whatever your involvement.