Frequency Annual Previous event 16 March 2015 Participants approx. 300 crews | Years active 1946-Present Next event 17 March 2016 | |
Location(s) Championship Course, River Thames in London, England | ||
The Schools' Head of the River Race (SHORR) is the UK's largest school-age processional (head rowing) race and is organised by Westminster School for crews aged between 14 and 18 years old. It is held in Spring, the end of the head race season.
Contents
The race forms a leg of the national kudos of winning a rowing 'triple' in which occasionally an indefeasible Junior Eight (J18 8+ or WJ18 8+) wins this race, the National Schools Regatta, the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta or the Peabody Cup at Henley Women's Regatta.
Course
The race is held annually on the River Thames in London, England, on a course from Chiswick Bridge in Mortlake to Westminster School Boat Club flagpole in Putney. It is rowed with the tide and is in the opposite direction to The Boat Race.
History
The event in its infancy offered a shortened course for smaller boats, such as J15 4s, J15 B 8's, and Maiden 4s. The shortened course ran from Hammersmith Bridge (from London Corinthian Sailing Club) to the regular finishing post at Putney. However, CD Riches, the event's manager, changed this in 2009.
Current format
The race is the largest head race of the winter season by junior crews. It attracts around 300 crews each year. Composite crews, drawn from more than one club or school, are not permitted.
All categories race the same course.
In 2012, the J4- and WJ4- events were introduced.
In 2013, the Mix 4x event was introduced to the race.
Records
The current record holders for the events are: