Clydesdale’s 8s and 4s Head of the River Race (HoRR) originates from the original fours head of the Clyde, first started by Glasgow University in 1950. The university boat club was later assisted in running the race by former Clydesdale president Peter Grieve, who eventually organised the event with other club members.

In 1997, eights were first invited to compete on the traditional 4000m course which starts on the straight upstream of Dalmarnock Bridge and finishes level with Nelson’s Monument in Glasgow Green. The race was the first open head of the river race in Scotland, and rewards skill in rowing and coxing over its winding course. It is a timed processional race and is open to all grades of rowing.