Medway Boat Race
Students are getting ready to renew their sporting rivalry as they prepare for the fourth annual Universities at Medway Boat Race.
The race – now a firm fixture in Medway’s social and sporting calendar – will take place on Saturday, 15 May and has been organised by Universities at Medway Students’
Association (UMSA).
Student rowers from the three universities which share the campus at Chatham Maritime – University of Greenwich, University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University – will battle it out for the right to call themselves Heads of the River in Medway. Both women’s and men’s races will take place, with rowers once more tackling a course of approximately 2.6 kilometres, between Cuxton and the Esplanade in Rochester.
Last year the University of Greenwich scooped double honours, by winning both the women’s and men’s races, so this year the other two universities are out for sweet revenge!
UMSA’s Activities Co-ordinator Claire Dicker said that Medway Boat Race day had become a popular campus tradition: “It’s a fantastic day for everyone involved and the students who have lifted trophies in past years say it’s a moment they’ll always remember.
“The race has grown in stature down the years, we expect the competition between the three universities to be keener than ever. Students have been working throughout the winter months on their fitness and rowing techniques, in readiness for the race. They’re all desperate to win, as they know how special it is to go and collect the trophies in front of the spectators.”
Spectators can watch the races from the open area on The Esplanade in Rochester, near to Hathaway Court. There are refreshments available and are lots of interactive activities for spectators to get involved with, including sports massages, rowing coaching and a Wii sports tournament. The action starts at approximately 2pm on 15 May and all are welcome.
Student rowers have been trained by coaches at Medway Towns Rowing Club. The event is being sponsored by the Rochester Bridge Trust and Southern Water.
The trophies and medals have been created by renowned Medway artist Paula Groves, and will be presented by Russell Race, Junior Warden of the Rochester Bridge Trust and Howard Goodbourn, Finance Director of Southern Water.
The event takes place on Saturday 15th May at 2pm,
Rochester, The Esplanade
For further information, please contact Claire Dicker on [email protected] or 01634 888993
