Head of the River Race: Thames Spectacle Before the Boat Race
The Head of the River Race (HOTRR) offers a unique spectacle on the River Thames, preceding the famous Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race. Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, with rowing commencing at 12:15 pm, this all-male eights competition sees teams race the same iconic course as the Boat Races, but in reverse, from Putney to Mortlake. Founded in 1925 by coach Steve Fairbairn as a winter training event, it has since shifted to a spring schedule, much to the participants’ relief. A separate Women’s Eights Head of the River Race takes place earlier, on March 14, 2026, covering a different stretch from Chiswick to Putney.
A key distinction from the traditional Boat Race lies in its scale and format. While the Boat Race features only four boats and draws massive crowds, the HOTRR boasts an impressive fleet of up to 400 crews representing approximately 160 clubs from universities and rowing associations worldwide. These teams, competing for accolades like the coveted Fairbairn Trophy, are timed individually as they navigate the course, rather than racing simultaneously. This creates a continuous stream of action, making it a “heck of a spectacle” for those keen to witness scores of rowers on the Thames.
While the sheer volume of boats means it might not be as straightforward for spectators to follow individual races as the Boat Race, the benefit lies in the sheer scale and accessibility. There are more opportunities to secure prime viewing spots at locations like Chiswick Bridge, Barnes Bridge, Furnivall Gardens, and The Pier House, or enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at riverside pubs. Recommended establishments include The Ship in Mortlake, The White Hart and The Bull’s Head in Barnes, The Black Lion and The Dove in Hammersmith, and The Boathouse in Putney, many offering coveted waterside views that are typically unattainable during the Boat Race. The Head of the River Race provides a grand display of rowing prowess, free for all to watch.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/things-to-do/head-of-the-river-race)
