Record entry for Dee head of river rowing fest

Published:

A RECORD number of rowers will compete to be the first to reach the head of the river today in the biggest Aberdeen head race to date.

More than 400 rowers will take to the River Dee in 102 boats to compete in the 3.5km fours head race from Torry’s Victoria Bridge to the head of the river, crossing the finish line at Ruthrieston Burn, while tomorrow a further 75 small boats will race the same course.

The action starts at 10.45am and there will be crews from Aberdeen, Strathclyde, St Andrews, Dundee and Heriot-Watt universities and also from George Heriot’s school and schools from Inverness, St Andrews and Glasgow.

Ron Wallace, race organiser and secretary of the committee of the Dee, said: “This is the biggest entry in the race’s history.

“With so many boats and coxes jostling for the best line up the river, it promises excellent entertainment for spectators.”

The races can be viewed from various points along the course, including Aberdeen Boat Club on the south bank and all along the north bank on Riverside Drive between the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and the bothy at Ruthrieston.