THREE crews from Castle Inn Rowers took on one The Great River Race, a gruelling 21.6-mile journey along the Thames from Millwall to Ham.

Flying the flag for Castle Inn and raising money for Rowcroft Hospice in one of rowing’s greatest challenges were Old Enough to Row Better, Cream First and It’s Magic, each tackling the famous course through the heart of London. The Thames certainly didn’t make it easy.

The first third of the race brought the toughest conditions, with choppy water making an already demanding distance even harder.

All three Castle crews dug in, found their rhythm and kept the boats moving towards Ham

Providing some much-needed encouragement along the way was the brilliant Castle support crew. Appearing on bridges throughout the route, their shouting and cheering could be heard from the river and gave the rowers a huge lift, particularly as the miles began to take their toll.

First of the three Castle boats across the finish line was Old Enough to Row Better, completing the 21.6 miles in 3:18:44. They were followed home by Cream First in 3:22:49 with It’s Magic completing the Castle trio in a time of 4:34:59.

But the Great River Race was about far more than finishing order. Getting three Castle Inn Seine boats down the Thames, through challenging conditions and all the way to Ham was a fantastic achievement for every rower and cox involved.

Most importantly, the crews were rowing for Rowcroft Hospice, supporting the incredible work the charity does for people and families across South Devon. 21.6 miles, three boats, plenty of aching muscles and one unforgettable day on the Thames.

Castle Inn Rowers came, they rowed and they conquered the Thames!