Putney is renowned for its prominent role in the sport of rowing, hosting some of the most esteemed rowing clubs in the UK. London Rowing Club, founded in 1856, and Thames Rowing Club, founded in 1860, have been instrumental in producing several Olympians and World Champions, such as Sophie Hosking, who won a gold medal in the 2012 Olympic Lightweight Double Sculls, Mark Aldred, who participated in the Lightweight Men’s Four in Rio, and Jess Eddie, who won a silver medal in Rio with the Women’s Eight.
The Tideway in Putney is home to numerous major international rowing competitions, such as the Head of the River Race series including Men’s Head, Women’s Head, Schools and Veterans, which attract hundreds of teams from all around the world. The Head of the River races finish in Putney. This years rowing series dates are as follows:
Schools Head – Friday 13th March
Women’s Head – Saturday 14th March
Mens Head – Saturday 28th March
Veterans Head – Sunday 29th March
Putney’s most famous rowing event is The Boat Race which starts in Putney. Each year, the Boat Race teams race along the 4.2-mile course from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge, drawing viewers from all around the globe.
In 2026 it will be held on Saturday 4th April (Easter Saturday). The Women’s race starts at 14.21 and the Men’s race at 15.21.