Head of the River Race: Thames Spectacle Before The Boat Race

The Head of the River Race (HOTRR) offers a unique spectacle on the Thames, preceding the famous Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race. Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 12:15 pm, this event features all-male teams of eights racing the Boat Race course in reverse, from Putney to Mortlake. Founded in 1925 by coach Steve Fairbairn for winter training, it now runs in spring. A separate Women’s Eights Head of the River Race is on March 14, 2026, from Chiswick to Putney.

Unlike the Boat Race’s four boats, HOTRR is a colossal event with up to 400 crews from about 160 clubs globally. These teams, from universities and boat clubs, compete in categories for accolades like the Fairbairn Trophy. Instead of simultaneous racing, teams are individually timed, providing a continuous stream of action. While the volume of boats makes tracking specific crews challenging, the sheer scale of hundreds of rowers on the Thames is an unmissable visual. Spectators also benefit from fewer crowds, potentially securing better viewing spots.

Prime viewing locations include Chiswick Bridge (Barnes Bridge offers superior views), Furnivall Gardens, Bishops Park, The Pier House at Chiswick Pier, and Putney Bridge (the finish line). For a relaxed experience, numerous riverside pubs offer excellent views, often with easier access to terrace seating than during the main Boat Race. Notable establishments: The Ship (Mortlake), The White Hart and The Bull’s Head (Barnes), The Black Lion (Chiswick), and Hammersmith’s The Dove, Blue Anchor, and Crabtree Tavern. In Putney, The Duke’s Head and The Boathouse are near the finish. This free event promises a magnificent display of rowing prowess and endurance.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/things-to-do/head-of-the-river-race)