Thousands of rowers, kayakers, canoeists and stand up paddle boarders will take to the River Thames to contest the first ‘Regatta London’ on Sunday 29 September.

Starting in Putney and Hammersmith, paddle sports enthusiasts will come together as they take on the 12-mile ‘Big Ben Challenge’ loop or the 14-mile ‘London Crossing’ route along the river through Central London as they look to raise money for charity.

Paddlers will pass some of London’s most iconic landmarks including The Houses of Parliament, Battersea Power Station, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and London Bridge, before finishing at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

“We can put paddle sports on the map like no other event, while supporting some amazing charities, and celebrating the river and the environment,” Triple Olympic Champion and CEO of Regatta London Andrew Triggs said.

“I’m thrilled to see Regatta London finally come to life, an event that will see so many different types of paddlers all in one event

“We’ll be taking over the most iconic stretch of river in the world for our participants to race or simply challenge themselves through central London.

“For me this feels like a life’s work come to a focus point! This is hugely exciting!”

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Protection of the environment will also be at the heart of the event, with Regatta London championing the benefits the River Thames brings to the capital and why it deserves more care, attention and investment.

Held on the final day of ‘Recycle Week 2019’, sustainability initiatives include no leafleting on site, labelled bins to ensure waste can be recycled, and the ban of single use plastic bottles on the course, with all participants encouraged to bring their own water.

All finishers will receive a bespoke medal made of clay dug from the River Thames by Tideway, who are building London’s super sewer, and finishers will receive a sustainable T shirt, made from bamboo, charcoal and recycled polyester.

Participants are encouraged to raise money for the Regatta’s partner charities, London Youth Rowing who help underprivileged kids through the power of sport, Thames 21 who are cleaning up the River and its surrounding areas, and Mates in Mind, who are aiming to raise awareness about mental health issues.

There are still places remaining in all three disciplines due to charity places but registration closes on 20 September. For more information and to book a place, visit www.regatta.london