The Oxford City Bumping Races are processional races for coxed fours held on the Isis under A.R.A. Rules of Racing (subject to local rules). The competition is open to all club or college crews affiliated to the A.R.A. Crews are grouped into divisions, with each division racing four times in one day. 

City of Oxford about to bump Linacre
in Race 4 of the Women's Division

Imperial College
Men's Head of the River 2000

The object is to ‘bump’ (catch up with, or overtake) the boat in front, and by doing so exchange places in the starting order. A crew which is consistently successful from year to year will rise up the starting order until it reaches the top, when it is awarded the title ‘Head of the River’.

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Medals are awarded to the crews at the head of the river at the end of the day's racing, and their names are added to the plinth of the Bumping Races Challenge Cup. Miniature blades are awarded to crews achieving at least four bumps during the day.

For further information contact Paul Azzopardi, Tel. 01865 771202.

Wolfson College
Women's Head of the River 2000