The Great River Race will be run upstream from the Millwall Slipway opposite the Docklands Sailing Centre, Westferry Road E14 3QS to Ham, Richmond. Running the Race upstream means that all crews will have the benefit of the prevailing flood tide. Read on for a brief overview of the plans to date, but please contact us if you have any questions.

At the Start - London Docklands:

• Boat and trailer parking in car park on Westferry Road (noon Friday - noon Sunday).
• Boat parking on slipway itself ready for easy launching Saturday morning.
• Special rates at nearby Ibis Hotel (see below for more details).
• Docklands Sailing Centre, including bar, open to competitors.

At the Finish - Ham, Richmond:

• Secure boat and trailer parking in field off Ham Street (noon Friday - noon Sunday).
• Usual campsite party with BBQ & live band hosted by the Thames Young Mariners (extra cost).
• Early Registrations will be taken from 18:00 hours.
• Boat launching with secure overnight mooring prior to Saturday morning tow to Start.
• Special rates at new Holiday Inn Hotel in Thames Ditton (see below for more details).

Pre-Race activities at the Finish (Ham, Richmond):

• Tow down to the Start, of boats launched on Friday, in time for Registration (extra cost).
• ShuttleBus from Holiday Inn, campsite and car park to Start. Last service timed to accommodate drivers who have launched at the Start and driven car and trailer back to Finish (extra cost - see Services for more details).

At the Start (London Docklands) - first boat away 12:15pm hours:

• Commentary and announcements from 9:00 hours.
• Assistance with launching at Millwall Slipway from 9:00 hours.
• Boats towed from Ham and craft moored overnight brought to Start.
• Pontoon and beach with shuttle boats to and from to assist registration and marshalling.
• Registration & Scrutineering from 9:15 hours.
• Programme and clothing sales, catering etc. until 13:15 hours
• Spectator boats will board nearby to watch the Start and follow the Race. Refreshments available. Early booking recommended. (see Services for details).

At the Finish (Ham) - winner expected 15:15 hours:

• Riverside bar, catering, programme and clothing sales from 12:00 hours.
• Commentary from 14:00 hours.
• Recovered boats can use secure car park until noon Sunday.
• Crane available for heavy boats.
• Spectator boats will disembark at Richmond Landing Stage close to the Finish.
• Passenger boat will return to Westminster Pier at 17:45 (extra charge)
• Convenient showers and changing facilities courtesy of the German School.
• Prizegiving ceremony at approximately 18:15 hours.
• Crew party with live band and disco in special GRR marquee/bar on Ham riverside.
• ShuttleBus service at 22.30 from Ham Street car park to the Start calling at Waterloo and Liverpool Street stations.
• Campsite continues overnight (extra cost - see Services for more details).
• River transport to Holiday Inn after party (journey time aprox. 25 minutes).

For those who find the undoubted attractions of Vic Griffiths' campsite easily resistible (whimps), Destination Richmond has arranged special GRR rates at hotels and B&Bs situated conveniently at both ends of the course; this includes the new Holiday Inn at Thames Ditton which is just a short drive of about 15 minute from the Finish.

If you choose to stay over in accommodation on Friday night, our ShuttleBus service will start from the Holiday Inn TD, before picking up at the campsite and continuing to the Start in time for Registration. A post-party passenger boat service will also operate from Ham to a landing point at Thames Marina just over the road from this hotel.

Contact Bruce Lyons or Shahnaz Hameed at askus@destinationrichmond.co.uk or +44 (0) 203 141 9922