The Intercollegiate Rowing Association's big race, the former Poughkeepsie, now Marietta regatta, will see thirteen colleges competing on the Ohio River this Saturday, according to officials yesterday.

Washington University's crew, the only unbeaten eight on the river is the favorite to cop the varsity race over the three mile course. Princeton is the last's outstanding contender. Junior varsities and freshmen crews will also compete.

Last year's race, the first at Marietta, as marred by a violent flood, and the course was shortened to two miles. Washington won all three '50 races. The regatta had been held for over 50 years at poughkeepsie before last year.

Crews from M.I.T. Princeton, Pennsylvania, Navy, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Washington, Stanford, California, B.U., Columbia and Cornell will compete.