Dragon Boat Race

A Dragon Boat Race is a fun water sports activity where teams of between 7 – 11 people sit in pairs and paddle to compete in races over distances. Each boat has a drummer beating time to keep the paddlers in unison, and a professional helmsperson to guide the boat (this will be one of Race the Dragon’s team). Each team will take part in a minimum of 3 races, where they paddle approximately 200m. Each race takes about 1 – 1.5 minutes to complete.    

It takes place at Edgbaston Reservoir Birmingham B16 9EE, and there is plenty of parking available.

Ideally, each team should have 11 members: 10 paddlers and 1 drummer. However, you can participate with a team of between 7 people (min) up to 11 people (max). All participants must be at least 14 years old.

There are two entry options:

Option A event entry is £110 per team with a fundraising target of £1,650

Option B event entry is £950 per team with no fundraising target but we do encourage you to raise as much as you can!

No, this is a team event so you can’t take part as an individual. Ideally, each team should have 11 members: 10 paddlers and 1 drummer. However, you can participate with a team of between 7 people (min) up to 11 people (max). The minimum age to take part is 14 years old.

You don’t need any experience to take part and you will be provided with everything you need to take on this challenge.

You won’t need to train beforehand (unless you want to!) and this event is open to people of all ages and abilities. You and your team will receive a health and safety briefing and participant advice on the day, you might just want to bring a change of clothes in case you get wet!

We pride ourselves on inclusivity and welcome everyone at our events, and will always try to accommodate your needs. Please get in touch so we can discuss this with you.

If you are pregnant or have any health issues, we advise you consult your doctor before signing up to the event. If you need assistance, you can bring a carer or aide to the event free of charge, you just need to let us know before you sign up.

There are two entry options for this event. (for teams between 7-11 participants)

Option A event entry is £110 per team with a fundraising target of £1,650 and teams must commit to raise £1,000 before 25 August 2025

Option B event entry is £950 per team with no fundraising target but we do encourage you to raise as much as you can!

Need help with fundraising? 

By signing up and fundraising for us, you will enable us to provide vital care and support to local people living with a terminal diagnosis, not just now but for many years to come.

You will automatically be set up with an Enthuse fundraising page when you register. If you prefer to fundraise another way then just let us know.

You’ll be able to download your fundraising pack from your email confirmation when you sign up.

If you need some extra support with fundraising please do get in touch with the team at events@birminghamhospice.org.uk or call us on 0121 465 2009.

Your entry includes:

❤️ Dragon Boat during the event, along with buoyancy aids and paddles.

❤️ Safety boat, with qualified driver plus a health and safety briefing on the day.

❤️ A certificate per team

❤️ A trophy for first, second and third place teams

❤️ The winning team will get a bottle of fizz to celebrate and a medal for each team member.

Please note, the deadline for registrations is Wednesday 10^th September. By signing up and raising vital funds you’ll be helping more local people receive the vital care and support they need at the end of their life.  We’re here to help you every step of the way to support you with reaching your fundraising target.

By signing up to option A registration option you are pledging to raise £1,650 as a team, and must commit to raising at least £1,000 by 25 August 2025.

By signing up to option B registration option you are not committing to a fundraising target but we encourage you to raise as much as possible to ensure our vital work can continue.

If you need support with fundraising please contact events@birminghamhospice.org.uk and the team will be more than happy to help.

The maximum number in a small boat per race is 10 paddlers plus 1 drummer, however  you can register a maximum of 3 additional people as reserves for your team if you wish.

Please contact get in touch with us if you wish to add reserve team members.

If for any reason you are short of paddlers on the day, then our event partners Race the Dragon will be able to support to ensure your team can still take part.

This event is accessible via car and public transport. Parking is available on residential roads nearby, with the event site approximately a 10 minute walk away. We kindly ask supporters to travel using public transport and car share where possible.