The London River Rat Race

London welcomes back The River Rat Race
Unique aquatic obstacle race returns to Docklands

A unique 10km aquatic obstacle event, which sees participants run, jump, swim and kayak their way around the course, is coming back to the capital this summer as the London River Rat Race returns to Docklands, East London on Saturday 25th July.

Once again the event will be partnering with the charity Shelter, to help raise much needed funds for those facing bad housing and homelessness in the capital.

Brought to you by Rat Race Adventure Sports, the events company behind the Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest series, this 10km River Rat Race will see participants take on a series of wet and wild challenges including the ‘zorb pool’, water trampolines, a 50 foot water slide and a massive 20 foot jump off the dock.

Entry to the event starts from £65 plus a £10 standard donation to charity Shelter, with further money going to the charity through the sponsorship funds raised by each participant.

The race will start inside The ExCel London with participants facing a quick fire barrage of obstacles before they head out on to the dockside. From there, they will run west towards the Emirates Air Line, tackling more obstacles as they go. This short run will provide a good warm-up ahead of the first dip in to the water. Participants will enter the Thames via a low jump which will be followed by a short swim and then an energy sapping, thigh deep wade on to the beach.

Back on dry land they will then head east with a mixture of jumping, swimming and wading required, before the running kicks in again to lead them on to the kayak section. From here it’s homeward bound, but as it’s a Rat Race event it won’t be that simple… participants will be faced by more challenges and a few surprises before they cross the finish line.

Jim Mee, Rat Race MD and creator of The River Rat Race, said of the upcoming event: “It was fantastic to see such a brilliant turn out for our first ever River Rat Race event in Docklands last year and we are pleased that we are able to bring it back to London for 2015.

“At 10km, the course provides a good fitness challenge, but the water elements make it a lot of fun, especially when the sun comes out. Whether you do it solo, or form a team, all you need to take part is a pair of trainers and a sense of adventure. And most importantly, every step you take, every splash you make, you’ll be raising money for individuals and families struggling with homelessness or housing issues in Britain today.”

As growing numbers of people struggle with soaring housing costs, Shelter has seen a rise in demand for help from people fighting to keep a roof over their heads. Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive said: ““We are so excited to be a part of the River Rat Race again this year, and encourage anyone who’s looking for a fun and unique challenge to sign up and help raise vital funds for Shelter.

“With more and more people struggling with sky high housing costs, our advisors can be the difference someone losing their home and keeping it. All of the money raised from River Rat Race will go straight towards making sure no-one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.”