The Oxford City Bumping Races are processional races for coxed fours held on the Isis, organized by the City of Oxford Rowing Club. The competition is open to any club or college crew affiliated to the A.R.A. (i.e. not restricted to crews from Oxford), and held under A.R.A. Rules of Racing, subject to local rules. 

City of Oxford RC
Women's Head of the River 2001

Imperial College BC
Men's Head of the River 2001

Participating crews are grouped into divisions, with each division racing four times in one day. The object is to ‘bump’ (i.e. 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 will rise up the starting order until it reaches the top, earning the title of ‘Head of the River’.

In the Oxford city Bumping Races, 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.

Winners of the 2001 Bumping Races