55th Annual Head of the Trent Returns to Trent University During First Weekend of October

By Scott Arnold

One of Peterborough’s biggest fall weekends returns to Trent University next month, with rowing, varsity sports, alumni events, food, family activities and plenty happening across campus.

the 55th annual head of the trent returns next month, taking place from October 2nd to the 4th, with the rowing regatta at the heart of the weekend (photo courtesy of trent university)

The Head of the Trent is back for its 55th annual edition, bringing more than 1,400 athletes in 800 boats to Peterborough for one of the country’s premier rowing events.

The weekend has been a Trent tradition since 1971 and continues to bring together athletes from more than 50 universities, rowing clubs and schools from across Canada and abroad.

At the centre of it all is the Head of the Trent Regatta, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club.

Athletes will take on the scenic 4.7-kilometre course along the Trent-Severn Canal and Otonabee River before finishing at Trent University’s Symons Campus. The regatta features University, Masters, Club and Junior boat classes.

A New Way to Watch the Finish

There will be a noticeable change for spectators this year.

With the ongoing revitalization of the Faryon Bridge, a new finish line and viewing area will be located just behind the Student Centre.

That will give spectators a new spot to watch the races and cheer on the Excalibur rowers as crews make their way to the finish.

The Peterborough Rowing Club will also have a livestream available for anyone who can't make it to campus.

For the full race schedule and race-day results, visit the Head of the Trent Regatta website.

Friday Gets the Weekend Started

The Head of the Trent weekend officially gets underway Friday, October 2nd.

The Excalibur Rowing and Rugby Alumni Social runs from 4:30pm to 9pm, giving former athletes and friends a chance to reconnect ahead of the weekend.

The Excalibur women's rugby team will also take on the University of Toronto at 7pm.

Saturday Brings the Biggest Crowd

Saturday, October 3rd is when the campus really comes alive.

Along with the rowing regatta, there will be a free pancake breakfast from 9am to noon, an Alumni vs. Faculty/Staff Soccer Game from 9:30am to 10:15am and plenty of opportunities to take in the action throughout the day.

Official Head of the Trent merchandise, including the iconic souvenir mug, will be available outside the Student Centre from 10am to 4pm, with proceeds supporting the Trent University Rowing Club.

The Alumni Welcome Tent will be open from 11am to 4pm, while the Kids' Zone presented by TD Insurance runs from 11am to 2pm.

Food Truck Alley will also be open from 11am to 4:30pm, offering everything from poutine and wood-fired pizza to sweet treats and drinks.

The Céilie will have its licensed pub and riverside patio open from 11am to 6pm, with free cover.

There are also several alumni and campus activities taking place throughout the day, including a Champlain College 60th Anniversary Archive Display, a 60th Anniversary Brunch and guided tours of Champlain College.

Plenty of Excalibur Action

Saturday also features a full slate of varsity sports.

The Excalibur women's soccer team takes on Carleton at noon, followed by women's volleyball against Mohawk College at 2pm.

The men's soccer team faces Carleton at 2:15pm, while men's volleyball takes on Mohawk College at 4pm.

The day wraps up with Excalibur men's rugby against Guelph at 6pm.

There will also be an Alumni Fan Zone from 2pm to 4:30pm.

Sunday Wraps Up the Weekend

The Head of the Trent weekend continues Sunday, October 4th.

The Alumni Volleyball Tournament runs from noon to 4pm, while Excalibur women's soccer takes on the University of Ottawa at 1pm.

With the rowing regatta, varsity games, alumni events, food and activities for families, there will be plenty happening at Trent throughout the weekend.

And for those who want to experience the Head of the Trent from the riverbank, the new viewing area behind the Student Centre will provide a new way to take in the races and see crews make their way toward the finish.

Most Head of the Trent activities are free, although some events have admission or other costs.

For the complete weekend schedule, race information and results, visit Trent University's Head of the Trent website.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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