The Reading University Head of the River Race is RUBC's annual headrace that first took place in 1935. Raced over 4.25km downstream in March it is the perfect dress rehearsal for the Tideway VIII's head in March every year. Entries have risen steadily over the past five years and we are fortunate to be able to accommodate some of the top elite clubs in the country. Due to popular demand the race developed into two divisions in order to accommodate nearly every status category for both male and female, junior and veteran crews.

The number of crews entering before the war was never more than 30, but in 1948, after the setback due to the war and flooding the race was revived with an entry of 28 crews. Flooding again caused the cancellation of the event in 1995 and 2001, but in 2000 there were 127 crews entered composed of 38 universities and colleges, 42 clubs, and 47 schools. Over the years results show that the academic institutions have regularly won the cups over the club crews (the only 'recent' exception in 1988 when Leander took the Roe Challenge Cup, lets see a fight back from the clubs this year!). 2006 saw a record entry of over 200 crews racing over the two divisions with Oxford Brookes finishing head of the river.

We have an external site dedicated to the Reading University Head of the River Race, which is the place for all further information including all entry details for clubs and entrants.

Prizes:

The Roe Challenge Cup (awarded to the fastest crew) previous winners include Isis BC, Oxford Brookes BC, University of London BC and Leander Club.

The Coronation Cup (awarded to the fastest Senior III crew) previous winners include Pangbourne College, Imperial College and Nottingham University BC.

The Bourne Cup (awarded to the fastest school crew) previous winners include Radley College BC, St Pauls BC and Eton College BC.

The Mackintosh Trophy (awarded to the fastest British University crew) previous winners include Oxford Brookes BC and Imperial College BC.

Each status winning crew will be awarded engraved Pewter hip flasks (if 3 or more crews competing).

We would love to see your club this year, so please do keep an eye on the RUHoRR website for entry information (lets hope the weather holds and that a great day of racing is had by all).