Sci-fi characters kick off this year's Great River Race

Published: 4:00 PM September 2, 2009

Updated: 8:14 AM October 14, 2020

DARTH VADER will be starting this year s Great River Race in the Docklands on Saturday. The 22 mile race from East to West London started 21 years ago and has grown over the years to attract 300 entries, including 14 dragon boats. This year s theme is Sta

DARTH VADER will be starting this year's Great River Race in the Docklands on Saturday.

The 22 mile race from East to West London started 21 years ago and has grown over the years to attract 300 entries, including 14 dragon boats.

This year's theme is Star Oars and the race will be started by Star Wars characters Darth Vader and several Storm Troopers, with Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean making an appearance as well.

The event begins at 11am at the Millwall Dock slipway near the Docklands Sailing centre in West Ferry Road on Saturday, September 5.

Tower Bridge will also be a good vantage point with the first boats expected to arrive there by 11.30am.

The race finishes at Ham House, near Richmond in Surrey.