River the key to win?

The scene is set for the Gallagher Great Race, Waikato's biggest annual rowing event.

Organisers hope more than 10,000 Hamiltonians will be involved in the day's festivities and cheer on the Waikato University men's eights crew.

The local crew are firm underdogs in the Gallagher Great Race, beginning at 1pm against old rivals Cambridge University.

Co-organiser Rob Hamill does, however, believe that Waikato are "in with a chance" to beat Cambridge, with the crews' records standing at two races apiece in the event's nine-year history.

"I'm pretty impressed with the way the crew has come together," he said.

Waikato will be keen for bragging rights after the two last met in 2008.

Cambridge won that day by a quarter of a boat length in what has since been dubbed "the best ever" Great Race.

The weather could play a big part in tomorrow's result and Mr Hamill suggested swirling winds could affect the blade work of competing crews.

The river's level could also play a part.

If the river's level is high, winning the coin toss to determine starting position might be crucial in deciding the race.

The course, which is 3.85km, begins at Ann St Reserve and finishes at Ferry Bank Park, providing spectators ample vantage points to view the action.

In addition to the Great Race, Waikato University's women's eight will take on Sydney University in the Bryan Gould Cup, starting at 11.55am.

Free family entertainment will begin on Grantham St at 10am as well as a fun run starting outside Waterford Birth Centre.

- © Fairfax NZ News