LDN Dragon Boat Race 2026
Friday 15th May 2026 | Surrey Docks, London
Watch our video from last year
Our packages
We have different packages available.
Each package includes your entry and a welcome glass of Prosecco (or orange juice) on arrival.
All you need to decide is whether you want to raise your sponsorship separately or pay it upfront.
Silver: Pay a team entry fee and raise individual sponsorship.
£699 entry fee per team
Minimum fundraising commitment £1300 per team.
Gold: Pay one fee which includes your fundraising donation.
£2000 entry fee per team with no additional fundraising requirement.
For smaller groups and individuals:
If you are a smaller organisation or group of friends and don’t have quite enough people for a full team, book your individual places and we will match you with others to form a new team for the day.
Silver: £65 entry fee per person and a minimum fundraising commitment of £115 per person.
Gold: £180 entry fee per person with no minimum fundraising requirement.
Why we fundraise
We guide families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
We help them navigate the SEND system.
We offer this as a free service and need funding to continue giving families and children the vital early help they need.
Many parents and carers who are supporting children with SEND feel lost and overwhelmed. They spend so much time fighting for their children’s rights that they don’t get the support they need for their own wellbeing.
We need to support parents so they can also help their children at a vital stage in their development.
We cannot solve every problem with the SEND system. But we know what works. It’s early help, education and compassion – so families can help their children.
LDN’s Family Team is an anchor when families are struggling and feeling lost. And a compass to point them in the right direction.
We don’t want any family or child to go without the help they need.
Support us so families can get the right support, for free, as early as possible.
FAQs
What do the races involve?
Each team has a minimum of 2 races, against other teams over a 200-metre racecourse. The fastest teams go through to the Grand Final.
The race requires the paddlers and drummer in each team to all work together. Personal fitness over this distance is not important as teamwork, paddle timing and a determination to be the best team is what wins the race!
Are there any limitations on who can participate?
All team members must be aged 18 or over for this event.
All participants must be able to sit in the boat unaided. There is no requirement to be able to swim, but you should feel comfortable being on water whilst wearing a Personal Flotation Device (buoyancy aid).
How many people can we bring?
You can bring between 11 and 22 people in your team. Each team has a minimum of 2 races on the day so you can swap people in and out of the boat and everyone will get at least 1 race. If you have more than 22 people you will need to book a second team place.
Can I book a solo place?
Yes absolutely. If you’re coming on your own or in a smaller group, you can book individual places and we will match you with others to form a team for the day. Teams are filled on a first come first served basis.
Can I pay by invoice?
Certainly. Email Katie on kmcdaniel@ldnlondon.org to register your interest and request payment by invoice.
Can we bring supporters?
You certainly can. Spectator places are free but will need booking. We will release spectator booking nearer to the date of the event.
How do we fundraise?
Our team will help you set up your online fundraising page with JustGiving. You can share this with friends, family and colleagues to get sponsored.
Your supporters will be able to add Gift Aid to their donations. Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows UK taxpayers to increase their donation by an extra 25% without any extra cost to themselves.
Many companies match their employees’ fundraising, so check what your company offers.
Our team are also here to help you at any point, with advice, top tips and fundraising ideas.
Will there be food and drink available on the day?
Yes! Our fabulous food outlets will be selling a choice of snacks, food and hot drinks all day. All food has a vegan and gluten free option.
A bar will also be onsite for waterside soft and alcoholic drinks.
There is the option to put a tab behind the bar and the food outlet for your team.
Is there any preparation I need to do?
Our race provider will bring all the equipment you will need for your race. There will also be full training on the day.
Once you’ve booked your team, we’ll give you all the info to set up your fundraising page if you’ve booked a Silver Package.
Then it’s time to get thinking of your team name . We’ll ask you for this a little nearer the time and send participant consent forms for each of your team mates to complete.
Some teams also like to come in team shirts or fancy dress.
Ready to race and make a difference?
Be a part of something special by entering the LDN London Dragon Boat Race 2026. Together we can help individuals with learning disabilities in London achieve their dreams.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help.
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