Thanks to Michael for this preview

April 6th sees the Abingdon Head of the River 2000m rowing race upstream on the River Thames. 400 competitors from across the UK visit Abingdon for this annual event on the river. All boats sizes and all classes race in four divisions through the day starting at 9:30 – 16:00.

He says “Come and watch the racing and entertainment along the river bank, ample parking and hot and cold local refreshments available all day (Rye Meadow, by Abingdon town bridge). We have fantastic BBQ serving local organic meat, with fresh bread rolls that get delivered to the field that morning. We also serve teas, coffees and cakes all day long, and after 11am we have beer on sale supplied from the local Loose Cannon Brewery.

For more details see www.abingdonrc.org.uk.

Abingdon has a great tradition in river sport. 100 years ago you might have gone down to the river to watch the Abingdon Skiff Regatta in July, or the Abingdon School Regatta in June. You can find more of what was happening 100 years ago on the Abingdon Heritage Twitter Feed.

There were not a lot of people in the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre at 10pm this Friday Evening.

An adult swim costs £3.60. When I started blogging about Abingdon it was £2.80.

The young lady at the desk said things will pick up next week when all the classes start.

On 11th January they have Act!ve Launch Day – just book at reception for a free trial session. Exercising has come a long way since I started blogging about Abingdon in 2006. You can try:

• RPM
• Body Balance
• CX WORX
• Body Combat
• SH’BAM
• Body Pump.

There were 747 runners started in the Abingdon Marathon at 9am this morning. The course has not changed much in recent years.

It starts at Tilsley Park. Goes to Radley, and then Abingdon Town Centre, then twice round a circuit of South Abingdon, Drayton, Milton, and Sutton Courtenay, before returning to Tilsley Park.

Refreshments were provided for spectators, at the bottom of Preston Road, by the supporters of one runner, running for the charity Bliss – ‘working to provide the best possible care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families.’

There were lots of ways to encourage the runners.

Hooters and clapping,

and notices saying ‘Come on Daddy.’

The leading two runners , 473 Ben Fish, from Blackburn Harriers,

 and 1037, Matthew Bennett from Southampton AC, opened up quite a gap on the rest of the field

Coming in on 2:26:53 and 2:26:59.

First lady runner I saw running in was, 210, Lucy Hodgson from Newquay Road Runners, but I’ll have to check that.

More pictures on the Abingdon Blog Facebook . Congratulations to the organisers and all the marshalls for an excellent event.