Walk the Course

London's leading waterways charity Thames21 and the London Explorers Group (LEG) have joined forces to organise a walk of the historic route of The Boat Race between Putney and Mortlake on Sunday 25 March.

Special guest speakers will be on hand to share their knowledge about this fascinating stretch of river and the thrilling annual battle of the Oxford and Cambridge blues that captivates audiences around the world.

Thames21 is official charity for The Boat Race 2007 and charity spokesperson Leigh McAlea said, "The Boat Race focuses the attention of millions on the River Thames and is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Thames21's work to improve the health of our river. This walk will appeal to anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed day out on one of the most scenic stretches of the Tidal Thames in the company of experts."

Speakers:

1. Dr Andy Duncan, Walk leader, London Explorers Group and author of Walking London and other best-selling London walking guides.
   
2. Martin Haycock - Guest speaker, The Boat Race
   
3. Veronica Schroter - Guest speaker, Leg of Mutton Reservoir
   
4. Terry Wright -Guest speaker, London Wetland Centre

Event Details:

Event Name: Walk the Course
Date / Time: Sunday 25 March at 11am
Meeting Point: St Mary's Church, Putney High Street (Putney end of Putney Bridge)
Walk length: Approx. 3-3.5 hours, 4.5 miles
Booking: Booking essential. Contact Andy Duncan 07958 656 888 / info@leglondon.co.uk
Cost: £10 pay on the day
Other information: Wear suitable shoes and bring a drink and packed lunch

Ends
Media enquiries - Leigh McAlea at Thames21 020 7213 0166 / 07875 250 284
Notes to Editors:

1. Thames21 is London's leading waterways charity and its mission is to bring London's waterways to life. www.thames21.org.uk
   
2. The London Explorers Group runs regular walks in the capital for people who want to explore London, learn about its history and find out about current development, regeneration and renewal projects. To find out more about LEG walks, please email info@leglondon.co.uk or visit www.leglondon.co.uk
   
3. The Boat Race, the annual rowing contest between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, began in 1829. It became an annual event (apart from suspension in times of War) in 1856. The 2007 Race will be the 153rd in the Series and will take place on Saturday APRIL 7th, sponsored by Xchanging. Cambridge have won 78 times and Oxford 73. The Race, one of Britain's iconic sporting events, is organised by The Boat Race Company Limited on behalf of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It takes place on a stretch of the River Thames in London known as The Tideway. The Race starts at Putney, finishes at Mortlake, and travels along the four and a quarter mile University Course. Each Boat Race attracts over 100 million worldwide television viewers as well as an average of 250,000 spectators along the bank each year. The 2007 Race is sponsored by Xchanging and broadcast in the UK by ITV Sport and LBC Radio. www.theboatrace.org