Graeme Thomas, Team GB Rower and Olympian, will run 43-mile ultramarathon alongside The Rivers Trust Chief Executive, Mark Lloyd

Team GB Rower and Olympian, Graeme Thomas will join Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of The Rivers Trust, on an ultramarathon on 20th September, raising funds for The Rivers Trust.

After experiencing first-hand the issues that rivers in the UK and Ireland face, from plastic, sewage and chemical pollution to other impacts caused by the climate crisis, like drought and flooding, Graeme aims to raise awareness of these issues as well as highlighting the work done across The Rivers Trust Movement.

In particular, Graeme and Mark’s ultra challenge will highlight the plight of wild Atlantic salmon, a species that has been severely effected by these impacts. The run, known as the Salmon Run and organised by Tidelines, follows the course of the River Exe, starting at the sea in Exmouth to the spawning grounds on Exmoor, mirroring the upstream migration made by Atlantic salmon.

Graeme said: "As an Olympic rower, I have made rivers and lakes my ‘office’. For well over a decade, I have trained and competed on waters across the United Kingdom. It has been an absolute privilege to spend so much of my time interacting with our most precious resource. Witnessing all kinds of wildlife against the backdrop of wild & urban landscapes. From the kingfisher forging a living in Manchester city centre to the otters of the River Lune. I am now looking to turn from sculler to steward and promote the protection of our wild spaces.”

Rowers experience the best and the worst of our rivers. Since 2024, The Rivers Trust has partnered with British Rowing in the Rowing Clean Water Partnership – a group dedicated to cleaning up rivers and engaging the rowing community with action on freshwater health. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Graeme represented Great Britain competing in the Men’s Quadruple Sculls.