HoRR Centenary Race

The Head of the River Race Centenary Commemorative Race for Founding Clubs will take place 100 years, to the day, of the first edition of the Head of the River Race, on Saturday, 12th December 2026, with an approximate start time of 0930, on the Tideway.

This special event celebrates the legacy of Steve Fairbairn and enduring commitment of the extant Founding Clubs (London, Thames, Vesta, University of London, Quintin, Cygnet, Mortlake, and Auriol), whose vision and commitment shaped the Head of the River Race into one of the biggest events in the rowing calendar.

We hope that the Commemorative Race will bring together crews from each of the founding clubs for a day of competition, reflection, and fellowship. As Fairbairn himself noted: "It is not a race, it is merely a means of getting crews to do long rows". In that spirit we hope some of your crews will join us for a long training row on the 12 December.

Further details, including exact race timings, entry procedures, and event logistics, will follow closer to the date.  We greatly look forward to welcoming you and your crews to celebrate this historic occasion on the Thames.