| Where: | London - Kew Gardens at the Elizabeth Gate (off Kew Green) |
| When: | Mid September often on a Tuesday |
| Time: | 4.30 pm |
Each September the new intake of students beginning the Kew Diploma in Horticulture take part in a race – and as gardeners they wear traditional garb of stout wooden clogs, and horticultural aprons with pockets for tools. Competitors race over a 375 yard flat course, from the Elizabeth Gate to the Orangery roundabout, and back again. The date is determined by when the Diploma course begins and on the requirements of the student induction programme, and is held usually within the second or third week of September, and generally on the Tuesday of that week with the race starting in the late afternoon. The origins appear to be lost in the mists of time – but written records go back over 60 years and anecdotal evidence suggests that it started some time before that. Originally the race took place outside visitor opening hours but now anyone can watch as long as they’re inside Kew Gardens (usual admission price applies). Expect a loud thundering sound as the competitors approach in their wooden footwear!
Helpful Hints
In 2024 it was on Tuesday September 17th at 4.30 at Elizabeth Gate- 2025 date is yet to be announced. Only the students may participate in the race but spectators are welcome- and spectators are advised to arrive well ahead of race time as if the paths are clear, the race may set off early!
As racing in clogs is hazardous in wet weather, occasionally the race may be postponed for safety reasons but this is very rare (it happenend in 2023).
Click here for Kew Gardens website: https://www.kew.org
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kewgardens
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