Local rowers competing in Gallagher Great Race
Three of the University of Waikato Men's eight rowing crew competing in the Gallagher Great Race this Saturday are from the Waipa District.For local lad Dan Murtagh it is his second year competing in the Gallagher Great Race, while Cameron Corkhill and Liam O'Halloran are competing for their third consecutive year.
All three have only been involved in winning University of Waikato teams, and are hoping that this will not be broken when they take on America's number two ranked University crew - Harvard.
On the back of the recent success of Tyson Williams, the Waipa District is hoping to pump out another triumph.
Williams, a local from out Te Pahu area, recently came away with a silver medal after competing in the New Zealand Junior Eights team at the Worlds in Beijing.
The University of Waikato crew also boosts other New Zealand representatives and World Rowing silver medalist Nathan Twaddle, returning from Munich this week.
Water levels on Saturday will be controlled by Mighty River Power, allowing the rowers to race in safe conditions.
Free entertainment kicks off at 10am on Saturday at Grantham Street, along with the Arrow International Fun Run and Walk which is raising money for Hospice Waikato's building appeal.
Elite rowing races will commence at noon and weather predictions are looking good. The final event of the day is the Gallagher Great Race, with the University of Waikato men's eight facing off against Harvard University.
Celebrations will continue into the night with the annual King Street Great Race Ball. The black tie, masquerade event needs to be experienced to be believed. Limited tickets are still available and can be booked online at www.theball.co.nz