Competitor’s instructions
Travel and parking:
Please be aware that travel through Reading can be very slow on a Saturday. Make sure you allow plenty of travel time if you are only racing in the afternoon division. If possible, avoid travelling through the town centre.
Towing vehicles and trailers - Only vehicles transporting boats will be allowed to park outside the boathouse on Christchurch Meadows. NOTE:
We must maintain an open right of way along the tarmac footpath.
PLEASE take as much care as possible with your vehicles on the grass as the council only allow us to use the land if we do not damage it too much.
The entrance is via Wolsey Road, RG4 8BY
Cars and vehicles under 2 metres height can park at Hills Meadow Car Park, George Street, next to Reading Bridge (approx. 500m from the boating area). This is a council run car park and is pay and display. The post code is RG4 8DH.
An alternative pay and display car park can be found at Rivermead Leisure centre Richfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ
Mini buses can park on the grassed area behind the University Boat House. Access is obtained along Abbottsmead Place (RG4 8BB) off Wolsey Road. There are limited spaces and there will be marshals on the gate.
Travelling by coach – After dropping off their passengers, coach drivers can find parking on the University campus (Shinfield Road, RG6 6AH), until they need to pick up the passengers after racing. Note – do not bring any coaches down Wolsey Road, this will block trailer access.
Additional information:
Registration - On arrival please come to the Registration desk at the University Boat House and you will then be given your race numbers.
First aid – The event first aid station can be found outside the University Boathouse.
Boating – We aim to boat everyone promptly to allow the race to start on time. If crews are late to boat they may well be prevented from racing. A boating schedule can be found here.
Marshalling - A marshalling plan while waiting for the start can be found here.
Overtaking while racing – As this race is downstream, during the race the faster crew should take the middle of the river with the slower crew moving towards the bank. There are Islands on the course where the river narrows, and crews should not overtake in these areas, see the map separate map for details.
Landing after racing – Once your crew has finished the race, keep moving downstream and around the Island, where you should turn and return to your boating area.
If boating from Reading RC – you need to be EXTRA careful when returning to the landing stage after racing, as you cross the racing line. You need to take the channel on the Oxfordshire side of the bridge. Wait for the marshal on the bridge to instruct you before crossing.
Refreshments - Hot drink and snacks are available at the University boathouse from the excellent Camper Cafe Van
Toilets - Toilet facilities are available at the boathouse and through the boating area – please ensure that the toilets are used and not the bushes, as being in a built-up area the neighbours are easily offended! Anyone found using the bushes may be liable for a disqualification for their crew or club.
Results & Prizes - Live provisional results are provided here: https://rowresults.co.uk/ruh23. Medals for winning crews can be collected from the University boathouse when results are finalised by the umpires.
Spectators – The Thames Promenade and Caversham Bridge provide excellent views of the final 1km of the racing crews.
Photos - The fantastic team at AllMarkOne are taking photos on race day and will be available here https://www.allmarkstore.co.uk/f690430012
