Regatta going virtual is oarsome

ALTHOUGH Durham Reagtta has been cancelled this year, organisers Durham Amateur Rowing Club are organising a ‘virtual regatta’ on Saturday and Sunday to raise funds for St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.

The event includes options for indoor rowing as well as cycling and running.

It is open to anyone, you do not have to be a rower.

Competitors can enter as an individual or by assembling a team of four to enter as a ‘coxless four.’

The distances for indoor rowing have been set at 700 metres on Saturday and 1,800 metres on Sunday to simulate the short course and long course at the regatta.

Cycling and running distances are also proportionally longer on Sunday.

There are junior, senior, elite, masters and para categories to replicate the age and ability levels of athletes usually offered at the regatta. Other than bankside activities, the organisers hope to stay as close to the actual event as possible under the circumstances.

There is no charge for entry but competitors will be asked to make a donation to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, which the Regatta has supported on previous occasions.

Go to the Just Giving page at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/durham-regattaat-home-2020.

Details of how to enter the virtual event are available on the Durham Regatta website at www.durham-regatta.org.uk/ at-home-2020.

This weekend’s annual regatta was called off due to the coronavirus pandemic but it is hoped it will return next year.