Great Ormond Street Hospital Dragon Boat Challenge – Raising over £145,000
The Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity event brought together 20 teams in an epic day of dragon boat racing, raising over £145,000 for life-saving research into childhood cancers and immune diseases.
From the very start, everyone got involved – even spectators played a part in the excitement! Despite strong winds on the Friday, the dragon boats set off for a thrilling competition. The event featured a two-boat format for qualifying races and three-boat races for the semi-finals and finals. A fantastic variety of companies joined in, including Lloyds of London, HSBC, and Thomas Miller, showcasing strong local business participation. Race The Dragon also ensured a comfortable experience for everyone, with a large marquee and event furniture installed on-site.
The day began with the first round acting as a warm-up. Teams received Olympic-style coaching, practicing their technique and getting ready for the main event. Some teams impressively completed the course in just over a minute on their very first race – a hint of the exciting competition to come.
By the second round, teams pushed harder to secure a spot in the final. With the wind intensifying, the challenge increased, but competitors rose to the occasion, powering through each race with determination.
It wasn’t just about dragon boating! Spectators and competitors enjoyed a range of land-based activities including giant Jenga, Connect Four, and the Ergo Challenge, where participants paddled on a machine to see how far they could go in one minute. Distances ranged from an impressive 218 metres to the best of the day at 254 metres, with a bottle of champagne awarded to the winner.
To refuel, teams enjoyed a BBQ with hot dogs, burgers, and bacon, alongside a fully stocked bottle bar, all under the large marquee which provided a welcoming space to relax between races.
The day culminated in an exciting four-boat final. This year’s finalists – Scorpio Stingers, Talbot Marina Machine, Lloyd’s Register, and Nomikos – raced at blistering speeds, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. In an incredible performance, the Scorpio Stingers smashed the competition with a winning time of 49.12 seconds, claiming the gold medal and team trophy.
As the event drew to a close, a local DJ provided the soundtrack from the control tent, giving teams a chance to celebrate, finish their drinks, and relive the highlights of an unforgettable day.