Teams from across Kent and south London will be competing in the seventh annual KM Dragon Boat Race this summer to raise funds for a host of good causes.

The event is staged on the first Sunday in July at Mote Park, Maidstone and last year’s event was a sell-out with 38 teams competing and raising sponsorship for 30 charities and good causes. More than £75,000 was raised for charity at the 2014 event and organisers are hoping the event will hit the £100,000 mark this year.

Teams of 11 compete in a minimum of three races before the fastest teams take part in the event finals at Mote Park, Maidstone.

Businesses and good causes can race just for fun or for the charity of their choice, although event organisers would prefer teams to raise funds for charity.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: “No matter which cause you are supporting, you can use the KM Dragon Boat Race to raise funds for it. This is a fantastic family day and for many charities this is their biggest fundraising event of the year, so come and be part of it. The gentle sloping grass banks at Mote Park make it ideal for spectators.”

The event is supported by Countrystyle Group, Mote Park Water Sports Centre and Ben’s Catering.

Bookings can be made online at www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk. Use the discount code KMDB15 to reduce the price of booking a boat by £50.

Fact File

• Teams compete over a 250m course using special boats decorated with carved dragon heads.
• Many teams have a crew of up to 20 and swap people per heat to both freshen squad and ensure more people are raising sponsorship for the chosen cause.
• In 2014 Olympian Etienne Stott, gold medallist in the canoe slalom, joined the Hi Kent team helping them to come seventh.
• Businesses wanting to sponsor the event should contact Simon Dolby on 07989 164 752 orsdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk.