[3] The first regatta was held over 17–19 June 1834, opening with a six-oared race in 1834 won by Velocity, owned by W. L. Wharton, High Sheriff of Durham, against the Durham University Original Club in Sylph.

[4] The race has been held 191 times and, in recent years, the regatta has had competitors from all corners of the UK, as well as crews from as far afield as Amsterdam.

Events are competed over either the short (regatta) course, a 700-metre (2,300 ft) stretch of river which provides an excellent view of racing from start to finish,[6] or the long (championship) course.

The blue riband event is the Grand Challenge Cup, which has been run since 1854.

[8] This event is for Elite Men's Coxed Fours, and due to the introduction of the Prince Albert Challenge Cup for Men's Student Coxed Fours at Henley Royal Regatta, this event has proved to be useful practice for student crews from the University Boat Club and College Boat Clubs in the run up to the Royal Regatta.