Boat Race

The Al-Noor Annual Boat Race is an annual event, established by the Al-Noor Foundation in 2018, at Fairlop Waters in the London Borough of Redbridge. The event is open to all schools, faith groups, charities and corporate organisations. It aims to unite the community, providing the opportunity to raise money for charitable causes, by simply registering for a boat and participating in the race.

Dragon Boat racing originated in the Guangdong Province, China, but is growing in popularity in the UK.  Boat races are a great way to unite both competitors and communities together behind a common cause. 

The boats can accommodate up to 17 riders at a time and will be provided by a specialist Dragon Boat company. Each team is entered into a series of heats (a minimum of 2) with 3 other boats representing other charities or community organisations throughout the day. The boats and races are segregated, so that women will be participating against other women teams at the same time, and the men will race at separate times against other male teams. As the day progresses winning teams progress into the knockout stage and there will be a grand final at the end of the day.

Fairlop Waters is the largest country park and leisure facility, located in the London Borough of Redbridge. It is easily accessible from the M25, via the A12, also from the city of London, via the A11 and A12. It is also conveniently positioned for ease of transport via the Central Line to Fairlop and Barkingside stations, which are only a short walk to the complex. Fairlop sailing lake offers attractive surroundings to participate in activities or just relax and watch the fun. The thirty-eight-acre sailing lake with two large islands offers opportunities for a variety of activities including windsurfing and sailing.

The Embrace team is a female only team so registration is open to women only and girls aged 12 years+

The registration fee is £20 which contributes towards the cost to hire the boat. Family and friends can attend as spectators to cheer you on for free!

Sign up on this page, and your fundraising page will be automatically created with the target that you selected! Then it’s time for you to get sharing! Spread your page far and wide so your family, friends and local community can support you! Once the 20 places have gone, you can sign up for the waiting list in the event of cancellations. If a team member has to withdraw, then we will contact you to confirm your place.

Each team member is kindly requested to raise a minimum of £250. It’s as simple as getting 25 friends to give £10, over the next 3 months. We are confident that with Allah’s help and our collective efforts, that this will be easily achievable!

No prior experience of racing or dragon boat racing is required! Each team will be inducted on the day before the races start.

Whether you’re a seasoned rower or just starting your fitness journey, dragon boat racing is accessible to all skill levels. The more you practice, the stronger and fitter you’ll become. If you have any medical conditions, please consult your GP before you register.

No, life jackets will be provided and are mandatory for participants to wear. You will also be  given a full health and safety briefing.

We advise all participants to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, apply a generous amount of sun cream, and bring waterproofs, as you will likely get wet!  Sisters compete every year in the race in abayas/jilbabs and niqab so there is no impediment in terms of dress code.

By train
Barkingside station is the nearest station (Central & Elizabeth Line), which is a 1 minute walk. It is also a short walk from Fairlop station (Central Line).

By car
There will be car park facilities available on the day. It is easily accessible from the M25, via the A12.

By Bus

Line Name  Direction

• 462 –  Ilford
• 169 – Barking
• 247 – Romford Station
• N8 – Hainault, the Lowe
• 150 – Chigwell Row
• 167 – Loughton
• 275 – Barkingside
• 667 – West Hatch School
• 677 – Debden

The nearest stops are:

Fullwell Cross (A) 21 min walk

Barkingside Station (U) 6 min walk

Barkingside Station (S) 6 min walk

Fairlop Waters (W) 9 min walk

Due to the growing popularity and competitive nature of the challenge, there has been an increasing demand from participants over the years to have the opportunity to train prior to the event day.  Training sessions therefore can be arranged, subject to demand and availability, at a mutually convenient time for the team (on evenings or weekends). Usually 14 participants need to register for a training session to go ahead.  In the past these have taken place at a dragon boat racing centre in Docklands, E16, though it may be possible to source centres in other areas of London.

Whilst training is not a requirement, trainers do recommend 3-4 sessions in order for new teams to be in sync, particularly if you have never done dragon boat racing before. Training will allow you to learn the necessary technique to row effectively and ensure you are all in sync, which is key to success on the day! If you cannot attend training then please be assured that many people participate every year without training. The main aim is to take part, have fun and raise much needed funds!

Yes, each training session will cost £15. This can be purchased on this page when you sign up or at a future date.

Yes, there will be various food vendors on the day. Participants usually have the option to pre-order your food in advance to help avoid the queues. Further information will be provided closer to the race day.

Yes, there are toilets on site.

Yes, there will be an area to pray dhuhr and asr prayers.

Dragon boat racing offers an incredible range of benefits, both for your body and your mind — and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss out on! 

A Full-Body Workout:
Every paddle stroke engages your entire body. Your legs serve as the anchor, while your arms, shoulders, and back work in unison to power through the water. Plus, dragon boat racing is excellent for strengthening your core and abs!

Boost Your Cardiovascular Health:
Dragon boat racing helps build stamina and endurance, improving your cardiovascular fitness in no time. It’s a fun and challenging way to get your heart pumping!

Mental Well-Being Benefits:
Exercise is known to improve mental health, and dragon boating is no exception. It reduces stress, enhances self-esteem, calms the mind, and can even ease anxiety. As Muslims, we recognise the importance of nurturing both body and soul, and this is a great way to do just that.

Push Your Limits & Step Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Have you ever thought about racing in a dragon boat? For many, it’s a new and exciting experience. This challenge will push you to step out of your comfort zone, face new challenges, and grow stronger in the process.

Build Connections & Enjoy the Day:
Dragon boat racing is also a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends, family, and loved ones. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends, gather and enjoy a fun day on the water together, all while supporting an incredible cause.

Support Families in Need:
Above all, your participation in this challenge will directly support families in need — those too often overlooked in our community. The funds raised will provide essential help for those right here in the UK, offering hope and support where it’s needed most.

Giving Back & Gratitude:
Charity is not a burden, but a privilege and responsibility. When we are blessed by Allah, the best way to show gratitude is by using those blessings to serve others. Every act of charity, big or small, brings countless blessings into your life and can protect you from unseen hardships.

Make a Difference, No Matter Your Budget:
Even if you don’t have large sums of money to donate, this fundraising challenge gives you a meaningful opportunity to make a difference. Whether you have disposable income or not, every contribution counts.

And here’s a beautiful bonus: you’ll be rewarded for the donations your friends make through your participation, without their reward diminishing at all.

“Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.” [Bukhari]

Join us in this incredible challenge — race for fitness, for fun, and most importantly, for the benefit of others. Let’s row together, support our community, and create lasting impact!

All the funds raised in your boat race challenge will contribute to providing financial and pastoral support to brothers and sisters living in poverty and isolation in the UK – widows, orphans, refugees, prisoner families, single mothers and survivors of abuse suffering in silence in our communities.

Embrace launched on the 1st Ramadhan, and already has over 200 applicants, with the number growing daily. We currently are unable to meet the considerable needs of those in need without your help.

Your fundraising transforms lives

The donations you receive can:

✅ Feed a hungry family

✅ Shelter a sister in crisis

✅ Stop children going to bed hungry✅ Let destitute refugees live with dignity
✅ Alleviate the burden of debt from the shoulders of our sisters.
✅ Empower people to be self sufficient for a brighter future.

It’s easier than you imagine!

Once you register, your fundraising page will be automatically set up and created on our platform. It’s that simple! From there, you can share your page with friends, family, and colleagues, and they’ll be able to sponsor and donate directly to Embrace quickly and securely online.

Set Your Target & Watch It Grow
£250 might seem like a big goal at first, but it’s easier than you think! Just 25 friends donating £10 each, and you’re there. Feeling ambitious? Aim for £500 or even £1000 — just 20 friends donating £50 can get you there in no time. Many first-time fundraisers have exceeded expectations, with some raising £1000 in a matter of days, and others going on to smash their targets with £5000 or £10,000!

We’re Here to Support You
You don’t have to do it alone! We’ll be with you every step of the way. Once you register you will be added to our dedicated WhatsApp group. If you need a little help, we’ve got template messages, images and videos, ready for you to use that we will regularly share. Whether you’re a first-time fundraiser or experienced, we’ve got proven tips to help you succeed.

Top Fundraising Tips

• Go Digital: Fundraising pages are like online sponsorship forms — no cash, no cheques, and no chasing up sponsors after the event. Plus, you can even create a fundraising team to help spread the word!
• Enhance Your Profile: Add an image, share your story, and set your event date to make your page even more compelling.
• Kickstart Your Campaign: Start by donating to yourself! It’s a great way to show your commitment and get the ball rolling.
• Set and Exceed Your Targets: Aim high! Keep your friends and family updated as you reach milestones and don’t hesitate to increase your target once you hit it. The more you raise, the more families you’ll help! And don’t forget you’re rewarded for your intentions!
• Spread the Word Far and Wide: Share your page on all your social platforms – Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and through SMS, email, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Don’t forget to update your profile picture to our fundraiser avatar and add it to your email signature!
• Use Social Media to Your Advantage: Post updates on your training, progress, and the challenge itself. Share photos and videos, and don’t forget to use hashtags to reach a wider audience.
• Fun Ideas to Boost Donations: Be creative! Think of fun ways to motivate donations — the more engaging, the faster the hours will fly by.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Reach out to other fundraisers on our WhatsApp group or ask team for ideas to energise your donors if you’re feeling stuck.

Other Ways to Boost Your Fundraising

• Match Donations: Ask a colleague, friend, or workplace to match your donations!
• Local Support: Reach out to local businesses to ask for sponsorship or support.
• Charity Collection Boxes: Request a Charity Collection Penny Box to place at your workplace, local takeout spot, or other locations (with permission).
• Get Groups Involved: Contact local organizations, schools, and clubs to get involved in your fundraising efforts!

Remember, we’re here to help you succeed. With your dedication and the support of your community, we can make a real difference for families in need. Ready to get started? Let’s make this challenge unforgettable!

Yes, absolutely. You can revive the sunnah of giving your zakah to those nearest in need. Embrace has a 100% Zakah policy, ensuring your zakah will reach those in desperate need, right on our doorstep in the UK. You can read more about how we use zakah here (www.weembrace.org.uk/zakah)

Of course, you can. If people have given you sponsor money in cash, or made a bank transfer to you, and you want us to add this to your page, simply edit your page and “add an offline donation.” If you need any help doing this just reach out to us.What if I don’t reach my target?

We’ve witnessed many challengers, supporters, and volunteers achieve remarkable things, even when they initially doubted themselves. With a little effort, trust in Allah (swt), and our support, we are confident that you can exceed your own expectations!

However, if you do find yourself falling short of your target (though we’re certain you’ll give it your all!), don’t worry — it’s not the end. You’ll still earn the reward for your intentions, your hard work, and whatever amount you manage to raise.

As the Prophet (saw) said, “Whoever intends to perform a good deed but does not do it, Allah will record it as a complete good deed.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

So, aim high with pure intentions, say “Bismillah,” and give it your best effort. Trust that Allah (swt) will take care of the rest. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain, in sha’ Allah!

Make every £1 worth 25p more at no extra cost to you. It’s just a little box to tick but Gift Aid makes a huge difference when it comes to how much money we can raise to support families in crisis right here in the UK.

To be eligible to add Gift Aid to your donation, you must be a UK taxpayer and understand that if you pay less income tax and/or capital gains tax then the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all donations made in that tax year it’s your responsibility to pay any difference. The government will give a further 25% of your donation to the charity, and it doesn’t cost you or your sponsors a thing.

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] or reaching out to our team admin if you can no longer take part. We regret that we will not be able to refund registration fees or anyone who has already donated to support you.