Benjamin Folkard, Jacob Berry and Perry Flynn, three of this year’s competitors.
When: 20th July 2016, at 11am
Where: London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea.
£: Free to watch
What is it?
This year’s Race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge takes place on Wednesday 20th July in London. The race has taken place every year since 1715, making it the world’s longest-running rowing challenge.
This year five young Watermen will row under eleven bridges on the four mile, seven furlong (7,400 metre) course. Throughout the race’s 300 year history the event has remained relatively unchanged.
The race was founded by Thomas Doggett in commemoration of King George I’s accession to the throne on 1st August 1714. He came up with the prize of a coat and badge, which only young Watermen were allowed to compete for. The Watermen were the river’s taxi drivers of the day.
After Doggett’s death, the Fishmongers’ Company took over the race organisation, and has faithfully kept up the race traditions ever since.
This year’s race begins at 11am from London Bridge. The winner’s presentation will take place outside the Fishmongers’ Hall at 1pm. Spectators can view the race from one of the bridges along the course, including the Millennium Footbridge, Blackfrairs Bridge, Chelsea Bridge, Lambeth Bridge, and Vauxhall Bridge.
More info: www.doggettsrace.org.uk