This race is open only to men's eights and is considered to be the culmination of the head racing season, attracting the top British crews and a large international contingency. The 4.25 mile (6.8km) race course is that of the famous Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race , but raced with the stream, from Mortlake to Putney along the river Thames.

The race was founded by Steve Fairburn in 1926, whilst he was coaching at Thames Rowing Club, who was a great believer in the importance of distance training over the winter. 

For more information, including how to enter a crew, please click here