Head of the River Race
2027 date to be announced · Putney to Mortlake
The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet. It last ran on Sat, 28 Mar 2026 — we’ll update this page as soon as the organiser confirms, or check their website below for the latest.
The Head of the River Race is the largest processional rowing race in the world, with over 400 eights racing from Putney to Mortlake on the Thames. A spectacular sight and a must-do for serious rowing crews.
Key Details
- Last held
- 28 March 2026
- Location
- Putney to Mortlake
- Distance / Category
- Rowing - Head Race
- Organiser
- British Rowing
- Discipline
- Rowing
- Region
- London
Entries are handled on the organiser’s own website.
What to Bring
A recommended kit list for rowing events like Head of the River Race:
- ▸A 5-year-guaranteed Ultra Dry bag to keep kit dry
- ▸Kit layers and a change of clothes
- ▸Water bottle and nutrition
- ▸Blister plasters and tape
- ▸Phone and valuables kept dry on the bank
More Rowing events
Junior Head (North)
Runcorn
Young rowers brave the winter waters at Runcorn in January for this northern Junior Head race, an important early-season fixture for developing crews.
Tyne United New Year Head
Newcastle
Start 2026 on the water at the Tyne United New Year Head on 24 January — a bracing winter head race through Newcastle to kick off the rowing season.
Quintin Eights Head
Thames
Early-season eights head race on the Tideway. Hosted by Quintin Boat Club, this is a January fixture for Thames-based rowing clubs.