The River Thames becomes the course of one of London’s most spectacular boat events today, 12 September 2026. The Great River Race 2026 starts at 12:45 BST from Millwall and takes crews 21.6 miles — about 34.8 kilometres — beneath 28 of the capital’s bridges to Ham, in Richmond.

Known as “London’s River Marathon”, the race is expected, according to the organisers, to involve around 300 crews and more than 2,500 competitors. This article is published before the start; there are not yet official results for the 2026 edition.

From Millwall to Richmond

The race begins at Millwall Riverside in the Docklands. From there, crews travel west through much of central London before continuing towards Richmond. The course finishes at Ham, near Ham House. Spectators can watch for free from the river banks and from London’s bridges.

One defining feature is the route through the city: competitors pass beneath 28 bridges. According to the organiser’s indicative timetable, the first boats should reach Tower Bridge about 30 minutes after the initial start, then London Bridge (about 35 minutes), Southwark Bridge (about 40 minutes), Millennium Bridge (about 50 minutes) and Blackfriars Bridge (about 55 minutes). These times are approximate and depend on the race and conditions on the Thames.

Handicap, many boat types, Watermen tradition

The Great River Race uses a handicap system. Slower craft start first; according to the organisers, the fastest boat will cross the start line just over an hour after the slowest. The aim is to let very different vessels compete in the same event.

The race is not limited to one type of boat. A wide variety of fixed-seat craft take part, including traditional Thames Watermen’s Cutters. The rules follow the Watermen principle: organisers say each crew must carry a passenger and a cox as well as its rowers, and display a flag. The regulations provide exceptions for certain paddled craft.

The race began in 1988 with 61 boats. It has since grown and now attracts crews from the UK as well as participants from other European countries, the United States and Australia. Not everyone is focused solely on winning: experienced athletes race alongside traditional crews and participants raising money for charity. Fancy dress and unusual boats are part of the day’s character.

Navigation restrictions on the Thames

The Port of London Authority lists the 2026 Great River Race among today’s events affecting navigation on the Thames. Local traffic control is planned around Millwall Dock, with pier closures along the north bank from Greenwich to Battersea Reach and a river closure above Richmond. The measures are intended to help hundreds of boats move safely.

For a few hours, the Thames links Docklands, Tower Bridge, west London and Richmond along a course of almost 35 kilometres. Results — winner, time, final number of crews — can be added only after the Great River Race Trust publishes them officially.

Source consulted: The Great River Race Trust; Observation points. Navigation: Port of London Authority, Planned River Events 2026.

Photo: PAUL FARMER, crews in the Great River Race on the Thames, London, 15 September 2012 (a previous edition, not today’s race). Geograph / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.