The famous Oxford-Cambridge showdown on the Thames is still a week away, but this weekend the river is already much more crowded, much noisier, and far more “real” in its competition. While most of our apartment residents are waiting for the big race on 4 April, here on the London floor we’re taking our places for the Head of the River Race (HOTRR) happening this Saturday, 28 March.
This race is not just two boats going head-to-head—it’s a massive visual spectacle in which around 400 crews and more than 160 different clubs turn the river into a sea of rowing at the same time. If you want to escape the overly crowded and touristy atmosphere of the “Boat Race” and feel the true spirit of the river, the vibe on this floor is exactly right for you.
Noticeboard: Anatomy of the Race and Statistics
Let’s pin the details of this gigantic organisation onto our board. Founded in 1925 by the legendary coach Steve Fairbairn, the race was originally held in December as a winter training event for rowers; fortunately, it has since moved to the fresh air of spring.
To grasp the scale of the event, take a look at these numbers:
- Number of Participants: Approximately 3,200 rowers (400 boats, each with 8 rowers and 1 cox).
- Diversity: More than 160 clubs take part, not only from England but from around the world.
- Demographics: HOTRR is traditionally the race for men’s eights crews. The separate event for women, the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race, took place this year on 14 March.
- Course: The famous 6.8-kilometre stretch between Putney and Mortlake. One key difference: unlike the Boat Race, which is rowed against the tide, this race is rowed with the tide—in the reverse direction.
Terrace: Where to Watch? (With Pub Recommendations)
We’ve checked the view from the terrace floor and picked out the best vantage points for you. The race starts at 12:15 from Mortlake.
- Chiswick Pier: One of the most strategic spots along the course.
- Barnes Bridge: Ideal for seeing the boats at their most competitive moments.
- Putney Bridge: The finish line, where you can hear the victorious shouts (or the breathless gasps) of the exhausted rowers.
Best Pubs for Watching:
- The Ship (Mortlake): Right at the start of the race, where the excitement is at its peak.
- The Dove (Hammersmith): Our favourite classic pub with a riverside terrace—and claim to the world’s smallest bar.
- Blue Anchor (Hammersmith): Wonderful terrace with a view of Hammersmith Bridge.
- Duke’s Head (Putney): Perfect for those who want to see the celebrations at the finish line.
Boiler Room: The Heart of Rowing
This weekend in the Boiler Room it’s not just coal that’s burning—it’s the athletes’ ambition too. This race is a true challenge where everyone, from elite competitors to university crews, sweats for the Fairbairn Trophy. Unlike the Boat Race, which is a matter of prestige between just two universities, HOTRR is a celebration of the collective energy of rowing spreading right down to the grassroots level.
If you’re in London this weekend, come join the real pulse of the Thames—far from the tourist crowds, right in the thick of the action.
