ONE OF Reading’s most exciting racing events returned to the rivers last week,
Amateur rowing crews from around the world were invited compete in the annual Reading Amateur Regatta along the Thames.
Participants race along more than a kilometre of the river, with the Saturday event covering more than 1,500m with a two-lane course, and members of the public spectate along the Thames Promenade.
This year was attended by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis, and Cllr Karen Rowland,
The event has been held nearly every year since 1842 and takes place in the run-up to the Henley Women’s Regatta, only a few weeks ahead of Henley Royal Regatta.
Chairman of Reading Amateur Regatta Nick Haskins said: “It was very successful– especially as we had a huge number of crews.
“We were lucky enough to have crews coming from Australia, the United States, Ireland, and even a couple of crews from Reading’s twin city, Dusseldorf.”
“It’s always run pretty much on the same course and has been an integral part of Reading’s history since 1842.
“We had the creation of the railway in around 1840, Huntley and Palmers was beginning to expand due to the new transport links, and Henley Regatta began in 1839.
“So among all of this, they knew that there needed to be a sporting event to put Reading on the map.
“Just two years after it was started, the Reading Regatta made the front page of London Illustrated News, really putting Reading on the map.”
This year saw the return of the J13 and J14 octo team entrants: “This is where you have eight people, each with two oars.
“For most junior rowers, they will start in an octo, and the octos are just lovely to see– you get fantastic support coming from the bank because parents and grandparents love to come out and support those boats.”
The University College Dublin team took the Senior Victor Lodorum award, with the Junior award going to the team from Henley Rowing Club.
“We are grateful for having such a huge amount of support from our volunteers, as well as Reading Rowing Club and the Reading University Boat Club, without whom we wouldn’t be able to run.
“We really rely on Reading Borough Council, who kindly allow us to use that space, so we’re hugely grateful to them.”
More information about Reading Amateur Regatta, including details of next year’s event, is available via: reading-amateur-regatta.org
