History of the Race

The race was founded in 1935, largely through the energy of Mr. F.W. Roe, that year's President of RUBC, who in 1938 presented the Roe challenge cup, for the crew rowing Head each year.

The first race attracted three entries and was won by Reading Rowing Club.  By 1938, entries had risen to 18.  The event had to be discontinued between 1943-1945, and was further cancelled in 1947 due to extensive flooding.  Once again flooding led to the cancellation of the race in 1995.

Last year, 1999, one hundred and twenty seven crews entered composed of 38 universities and colleges, 42 clubs, and 47 schools.