Previous race competitors, Benjamin Folkard (left), with Jacob Berry and Perry Flynn.
When: 4th September 2018, at 4pm
Where: London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea.
£: Free to watch
What is it?
This year’s Race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge will take place on Tuesday 4th September in London. The race has taken place every year since 1715, making it the world’s longest-running rowing challenge.
Competing 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 event will take place as part of the Totally Thames celebrations.
This year’s race will begin at 4pm from London Bridge. The winner’s presentation will take place outside the Fishmongers’ Hall at around 7pm. Spectators can view the race from one of the bridges along the course, including the Millennium Footbridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Chelsea Bridge, Lambeth Bridge, and Vauxhall Bridge.
More info: doggettsrace.org.uk