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Hundreds of rowers make a splash on the Thames – University of Reading

EVENT: The 65th Reading University Head of the River Race LOCATION: The finish line is at Reading University Boat Club next to Caversham Bridge, Reading. DATE & TIME: Saturday 28 February, 2004. The first event gets under way at 11am. Over 2,000 competitors and spectators are expected to descend on the River Thames in Reading this weekend for one of the biggest river rowing events of the year. The 65th Reading University Eights Head of the River Race, organised by Reading University Boat Club (RUBC), will feature crews from all over the country - including the Oxford boat race crew and reserve boat Isis, competing in their only public race of the year before the University Boat Race a month later on the Tideway in London. Great Britain's elite rowing centre; Leander Club have entered two elite level boats this year, as have rowing giants Molsey Boat Club. The race is the fourth oldest head of the river race in the country and was first staged in 1935. In 2000, there were 127 crews entered, composing 38 universities and colleges, 42 clubs, and 47 schools. This year, there will be over 140. "We have been told that this is the largest student-run public sporting event in the country," said RUBC President, Tom Milway. "It's the fourth largest Eights Head race on the Thames, after the Men's, Women's and Veteran's Head of the River Races in London." The main prizes include: The Roe Challenge Cup awarded to the fastest crew. Previous winners include Isis BC, Oxford Brookes BC, University of London BC and Leander Club. The Coronation Cup awarded to the fastest Senior III crew. Previous winners include Pangbourne College, Imperial College and Nottingham University BC. The Bourne Cup awarded to the fastest school crew. Previous winners include Radley College BC, St Paul's BC and Eton College BC. The Mackintosh Trophy awarded to the fastest British University crew. Previous winners include Oxford Brookes BC and Imperial College BC. end For more information about the event, contact Tom Milway, President of Reading University Boat Club Mob: 07709 316 485 E-mail: president@rubc.net http://www.planetrowing.com/RUHORR/RUHORRhome.htm