About the Head of the River Race

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 the rowing coach Steve Fairburn in 1926, who was a great believer in the importance of distance training over the winter ("Mileage makes champions" was a favourite phrase). He devised the race while coaching at Thames Rowing Club to encourage this form of training and raise the standard of winter training among London clubs.

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