Women's Eights Head of the River Race

Best of British & beyond

The Race attracts crews from across the UK and beyond.
Over 3,000 women come to race, from Olympic Champions to the very best beginners.

Prizegiving

The Prizegiving is held on Race day. Crews and their supporters are encouraged to celebrate in the local rowing clubs. Since 2014 it has been held near the finish in Putney.

Thank you

Over 200 volunteers and officials give their time and expertise to the help make the Race possible. It wouldn’t happen without you.

Ready to race?

In the hour before the Race over 300 crews will gather along the rivers edge. At the witching hour each crew will turn in order, crossing the start line every 5 seconds.

2012 Racing the thin line

In 2012 the race was run on a neap tide with 288 crews completing the course. A headwind at Harrods tested the tenacity of the even the hardiest crews.

1930 WEHoRR is born

The same year as Amy Johnson becomes the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia and the great depression starts to bite across the world.

Instructions for Crewsclick here for more »

Galleryclick here for more »

Resultsclick here for more »

Volunteerclick here for more »

The Women’s Eights Head of the River Race

The Women’s Eights Head of the River Race – founded in the 1930s with 5 crews participating – has now become the largest women’s rowing race in the world with around 2,880 women racing and up to 320 crews taking part. It is the only race in the UK where novices can compete in the same race as Olympic champions and as such attracts a wide range of rowers from clubs and universities.

Our aim is to organise the largest and most iconic women’s distance rowing race in the world, and we are grateful for your support.

Our Partnersclick here for more »