Trio of former winners contest Gallagher Great Race

Cambridge and Sydney Universities will compete against University of Waikato on September 8 in the Gallagher Great Race this year.

Cambridge is returning for the seventh time, looking to take their fourth win in what is one of Hamilton's most anticipated events.

Also competing will be 2012 winner Sydney University.

Last year, Waikato University took on Sydney and Queensland Universities in the men's race, with Sydney winning in its first Great Race outing.

In the women's event, Sydney and Melbourne Universities will take on Waikato University for the Bryan Gould Cup. Last year, the Waikato University women's crew took a convincing lead over their Australian counterparts and are planning to keep the coveted Bryan Gould Cup on home-ground.

Secondary schools from around the country will also take to the waters in the Head of the Waikato challenge, a Gallagher Great Race precursor. Hamilton Boys' High School, Napier Boy's High School, St Bede's College, St John's College, St Paul's Collegiate and Tauranga Boys' High School will all compete.

In the girl's division are Craighead Diocesan School, Hillcrest High School, Sacred Heart Girls' College, St Peter's Cambridge, Waikato Diocesan and Westlake Girls' High School.

The Gallagher Great Race will start at Ann St and finish at the Ferry Bank on Grantham St.