The Great River Race runs 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 benefit from the prevailing flood tide. Read on for a comprehensive overview of race weekend arrangements, and please contact us if you have any questions.

At the Start – London Docklands:

• Boat and trailer parking in Westferry Road – for further details please contact the GRR office or email [email protected]
• Limited boat parking on slipway itself ready for easy launching Saturday morning
• Crane services at docks opposite the Start (additional charge – see Services for more details)

At the Finish – Ham, Richmond:

• Secure boat and trailer parking in field off Ham Street (noon Friday – noon Sunday)
• Campsite party with BBQ and live entertainment hosted by Thames Young Mariners (additional cost), Riverside Drive, TW10 7RX
• Early Registrations will be taken from 17:00 hours
• Boat launching with secure overnight mooring prior to Saturday morning tow to Start
• Special rates available at local hotels in Richmond, Teddington and Kingston areas – contact race organizers for current partner hotel list and booking information
• Crane service at Ham Riverside on Friday afternoon – please note this must be booked in advance (additional charge – see Services for more details)

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

• Tow down to the Start for boats launched on Friday, in time for Registration (additional cost)
• Bus Service from designated hotels and campsite to Start. Please book your seat(s) well in advance as these cannot be purchased on the day and buses are limited (additional charge – see Services for more details)

At the Start (London Docklands) – first boat away 10:00:

• Commentary and announcements from 08:00
• Assistance with launching at Millwall Slipway from 08:00
• Boats towed from Ham and craft moored overnight brought to Start
• Pontoon and beach with shuttle boats to assist registration and marshalling
• Registration and Scrutineering from 08:00 to 09:30
• Programme and merchandise sales, catering etc. from 08:00 until 10:00
• 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 13:15:

• Riverside bar, catering, and programme from noon
• Commentary from 13:00
• Recovered boats can use secure car park until noon Sunday
• Crane available for heavy boats. Please note this must be booked in advance (additional charge – see Services for more details)
• Spectator boats will disembark at Richmond Landing Stage close to the Finish
• Convenient showers and changing facilities courtesy of Thames Young Mariners
• Fancy Dress competition at approximately 16:15 followed by Prizegiving ceremony at approximately 16:30
• Crew party with live entertainment in special GRR marquee/bar on Ham riverside
• Campsite continues overnight (additional cost – see Services for more details)

For those preferring hotel accommodation, special GRR rates are available at hotels and B&Bs conveniently located near both ends of the course.

If you choose to stay near the Finish at Richmond or Teddington on Friday night, our Bus Service will take you to the Start in time for Registration.

For current hotel partner information and booking arrangements, please contact the race office at [email protected] or check our Services page for the latest accommodation offers.