The Crews

Traditionally the Gallagher Great Race takes place between the University of Waikato Senior Men's 8 crew and an international University crew who are invited to New Zealand to compete. It is a high profile event drawing thousands of spectators to the river banks. It is treated seriously by all crews, coxwains and coaches who are fully briefed on the challenges of the Waikato River and the 3.85km race course.

In previous years, the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Harvard University and the University of Washington – all with strong rowing histories – have accepted the University of Waikato challenge. This internationally recognised race attracts world class crews and is supported wholeheartedly by Rowing NZ.

Follow the link below to view the crews competing in 2011: 2011 Crews Follow the link below to find out more about the three boat format being introducded this year: Three boat format

The visiting crews arrive 1-2 weeks prior to the race day and are welcomed formerly with a pōwhiri at the University of Waikato marae. The pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcome. The University marae is Te Kohinga Mārama.

In between training twice a day, our visitors head out to explore the attractions and places of interest throughout the North Island as well as getting the chance to use the world class rowing facilities at Lake Karapiro.

Secondary School Crews

The University of Waikato runs the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship and operates programmes, delivered by U Leisure Limited, that support high performance students in the arts and the sports. Every year at the Gallagher Great Race, the University invites the top New Zealand secondary school crews to race over an upstream course of 3.5km from Fairfield Bridge to the Ferrybank.

Solo time trials take place on the Saturday afternoon followed by a formal meal with presentations and entertainment. The evening concludes with announcement of the day’s racing results and subsequent seeding for Sunday’s racing. Crew captains are also required to make their race start and finish station elections. On Sunday morning, race day, the schools crews race each other in a two boat head to head race.

This is a wonderful opportunity for secondary school crews to experience first-hand student life in Hamilton as well as the first-class support for top athletes who choose the University of Waikato for their tertiary studies.

Competing Secondary Schools