Competitive Rowing
Racing in Durham
Durham provides a most picturesque setting for regattas and head races. Regattas take place on the racecourse over a 700 metre stretch of river which provides an excellent view of racing from start to finish. Head races are competed over a challenging 1800 metre course which tests a crew's stamina and watermanship. The Durham events regularly attract crews from all over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Next Event
Durham Primary Regatta - Saturday 25th September 2010
Formarly Durham Veterans and Junior Regatta, Durham aims to promote rowing at all levels and holds the Primary Regatta towards the end of the regatta season to encourage participation in the sport by new and less experienced rowers. Included in the format of the regatta is special provision for a parent and child event where younger and older family members can compete in the same boat against other parent and child combinations.
Durham City Regatta (two days) - Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th May 2010
Sponsored by the Prince Bishop River Cruiser - Durham City Durham City Regatta is the first of three popular regattas held in Durham. It is a two day regatta which regularly boats around 250 entries on Saturday and approaching 200 entries on Sunday. The fast and furious racing over 750 metres makes for exciting competition. Entries for this regatta range from school age through the senior categories up to both male and female veterans' categories.
Durham Regatta (two days) - Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June 2010
Often referred to as the 'Henley of the North', Durham Regatta is one of the premier events in the northern racing calendar. Racing takes place over 750 metres with the elite men's and women's fours events being competed over 1800 metres. This 1800 metre course requires that crews negotiate the historic Elvet Bridge at full race pace.
The regatta, founded in 1834, is run by a combination of local rowing clubs and townsfolk. Durham Amateur Rowing Club being a founding member of the regatta continues to take a very active role in the organisation and running of the regatta.
In addition to racing, the regatta regularly hosts demonstrations of other sports including Dragon Boating and parachuting. There are also a number of side attractions and a popular vintage car display. www.durham-regatta.org.uk
Allcomers' Regatta - Sunday 27th June 2010
This is a fun regatta that runs every year, this year on its new date in August. The "AllComers'" is aimed at people who have not rowed before but would like to have a go to see if they like it. Each crew is trained by a member of the club during 4 practice sessions and then compete in "racing fours" against other similar crews.
Durham Small Boats Head - 5th February 2011
This is one of the most popular head races in the north. It regularly attracts around 400 entries spread over 4 divisions making it an ideal event for clubs to try out various combinations of crews throughout the day.
All in all Durham provides an excellent place to race with fierce competition between both local clubs and others from around the country.
The ARA Regatta and Head Entry forms are available to download below.