Head of the Schuylkill Regatta - Oct. 24 and 25

Rowing in Philadelphia has a colorful history, made famous by Thomas Eakins and his extraordinary paintings of oarsmen on the Schuylkill River. Legends of Olympic champions have made Boathouse Row one of the most important rowing centers in the world for rowers, bicyclists, runners, dragon boaters, kayakers and others who flock to this historic recreation area in Fairmount Park.

For 38 years, The Thomas Eakins Head of the Schuylkill Regatta has brought thousands of athletes from the region and beyond to Philadelphia for what is considered one of the best run, and most challenging head races, in the US. Its popularity caused it to recently expand the event to 2 full days. Approximately 5,000 athletes will compete and between 5,000 and 10,000 spectators typically attend this 2.5-mile head race, the grand finale of regatta racing in Philadelphia.

Competitor demographics:
•40% high school students
•30% college students
•20% masters rowers (27 and up, from still competitive Olympic medal winners to rowers who began in their 50’s. The oldest
•competitor is 78)
•10% elite rowers and those in special events: adaptive rowers, Community Rowing Program, Dragon Boats.

The best place to watch the regatta is at the Festival Area. The regatta festival…cool vendors, fun food, music, artists, games and more, is located at The Three Angels statue, approximately 1-mile north of boathouse row and the official launching area for hundreds of out-of-town boats. It is from here (or the finish line at Boathouse Row) that spectators can watch the boats battle it out on the water as they compete against the clock in this 2.5 mile race that begins at Laurel Hill Cemetery (Hunting Park Avenue and Kelly Drive).