February 23, 2010 News British Rowing NewsBritish Rowing EventsRowing CommunityGB Rowing TeamCompetitions and ClubsIndoor RowingPartners#YourStoriesArchive The North of England Head of the River Race 75th Anniversary Rowing Community The North of England Head of the River Race was first rowed in 1935 and was organised on the lines of the Mortlake to Putney race established a decade earlier. A dozen crews entered the first race which was won by Thames Rowing Club in 18min 35secs and Agecroft RC winning time in 2009 was 15min 30secs. The 5000m race is held on the River Dee at Chester and organised by Royal Chester Rowing Club, originally for eights the race has expanded to include junior quads. ADVERT Before the Second World War the event was dominated by the students of Cambridge University, Clare College twice and Jesus once before Dublin University won in 1939. After the war the Downing College and London RC crews shared the wins with the first win for a northwest crew coming from Northwich RC in 1951. The Race organisers Royal Chester produced wins in 52 and 53 then dead heating with Durham University in 1954. Durham went on to win 4 more times in the period up to 1960 with interruptions from Royals and King School Chester. Up to the present day other clubs winning the coveted Trophy include Hollingworth Lake RC, Nottingham University, Royal Shrewsbury School, Derby RC, Nottingham County and Agecroft RC who will be rowing this year for their 5th consecutive win and their 16th in the series. Other than in the war years the race has only been cancelled once, in 2001 due to Foot and Mouth restrictions. This will be the 70th race and to celebrate clubs who have won the event in the past 75 years are being offered free entry for one crew. The event is on Saturday 20th March, poster and details at www.royalchester.com ADVERT