The Head of the Trent is one of Trent’s longest-standing traditions. This annual Trent event attracts thousands of alumni, students and community members for a busy weekend full of activities framed around the exciting Head of the Trent rowing regatta, the largest single day event of its kind in North America.
Rowing Regatta
The founder of the Trent University Rowing Club, the late Chris Leach '70 (Peter Robinson College), organized the first Head of the Trent regatta in 1971 with 13 boats racing down the Otonabee River. Today, Head of the Trent is North America’s largest single-day, head-race regatta, comprising over 1,200 athletes from over 50 universities and clubs across Canada and the northern United States. The regatta is hosted and organized by the Peterborough Rowing Club and the Trent University Rowing Club. Races take place on the Trent-Severn Waterway, starting at the Parkhill Road Bridge and winding through the Trent Canal to finish 5km later at the University’s Symons Campus, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. Visit the Regatta website for more info and to view results on race day.
Alumni Gatherings
In 1972 the Trent University Alumni Association held its first reunion event during the Head of the Trent (HOTT) rowing regatta, marking the beginning of a beautiful partnership. For more than 50 years, hundreds of alumni have returned to their alma mater on HOTT weekend to watch the rowing races, celebrate with old friends, tour campus, join College events, participate in special reunions, and enjoy family-friendly festivities. For alumni unable to return to campus, follow @Trent_Alumni on Instagram for a recap of the day!