Sixty teams are booked to race the dragon at the KM Charity Team’s biggest fundraising event of the year staged this Sunday (July 2) at Mote Park.

The KM Dragon Boat Race organised by the KM Group’s charity department is sold-out to competitors but spectators are welcome to come along and watch the fun for free. Savour the ancient tradition of the dragon boat as teams of 11 use paddle power - with one crew member beating a drum to set the pace - to complete the 250m course in the fastest time. The day comes to a dramatic climax with the mightiest dragon boat teams going head to head in the competition finals.

Jessica Pearmine of Kent Reliance, headline partner of the race, said: “The event is on course to be another record breaker. Last year, the teams raised £100,000 for charity so we can’t wait for the boats to take to the water.”

Event organiser Dominic Comins of the KM Charity Team said: “The KM Dragon Boat Race is our flagship event and every year we are staggered by the way it continues to grow. This year we have our biggest number of teams to date so we’re very excited for the good causes who will receive 100% of sponsorship raised by their supporters.”

Back on dry land spectators can cheer on their teams, visit stalls, purchase food and drink, or hire rowing boats or pedal boats at Mote Park Watersports Centre. The first race will start at 10am.

For more information on the KM Dragon Boat Race or upcoming events including the KM Assault Course Challenge on October 8 and KM Abseil Challenge on November 12, click on the links or visit www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk.