The “Fours Head” rowing competition goes digital: MoveLab role in the “Virtual Fours Festival”

What is the Fours Head?

The “Fours Head” is a renowned rowing race held annually on the River Thames in London. This prestigious event covers the 4.5-mile Championship Course from Mortlake to Putney, attracting top-tier crews from across the UK and beyond. The race is nowadays a highlight of the British rowing calendar.

In 2025, the Fours Head will take place on Saturday, 15 November, forming the centerpiece of a three-day festival of fours racing that also includes the Junior Fours Head on Friday and the Veteran Fours Head on Sunday.

Introducing the Virtual Fours Festival

In a groundbreaking move, the Fours Head expanded its reach in 2025 by launching the “Virtual Fours Festival”. This innovative event allows rowers from around the world to participate remotely by submitting verified times achieved on rowing machines across a time of two weeks. The virtual format features over 70 categories, enabling unlimited entries from clubs, schools, and individuals, thereby granting access to this esteemed competition.

MoveLab: Innovating the rowing experience

As one of the partners of the Virtual Fours Festival, MoveLab will provide the technological infrastructure necessary for registration, time submission, and leaderboard tracking through the RP3's “Advanced Portal”. The integration with RP3 Rowing's machines and connectivity to the Concept2 rowing machines, further enhances the accuracy and reliability of the competition.

Real-Time data analysis

MoveLab's collaboration with RP3 Rowing led to the development of the Advanced Portal, a sophisticated rowing data analysis tool. This platform redefines how rowing data is captured, visualized, and utilized to improve performance. By providing athletes and coaches with detailed insights into their rowing mechanics, the Advanced Portal facilitates targeted training and performance optimization.

The future of rowing competitions

The 2025 Virtual Fours Festival will mark a significant milestone in the evolution of rowing competitions. By embracing digital technology, the event has set a precedent for future competitions, offering a model for expansion and innovation.

The 2025 Fours Head and the Virtual Fours Festival exemplify the innovation in the sport of rowing. Through the collaboration with MoveLab, the event has not only upheld its esteemed legacy but also embraced modern advancements to broaden its reach and impact. As the rowing community continues to evolve, the integration of technology will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport.

Register to join the 2025 Virtual Fours Festival: Register Now