‘Head of The River’ race returns this weekend

SLIGO Rowing Club has announced the return of the Head of the River Race. The race will be held on the Garavogue River on the 16th of February.

This is an unique event in which an armada of over one hundred boats will compete against the clock on a 3,500 meter course. Two races will take place, the first kicking off at 11am and followed by the second at 2pm.

All boats will slip from Doorly Park and will gather at the mouth of Lough Gill before setting off in a processional order at 30 seconds intervals.

Numerous classifications of boats will participate on the day, ranging from Sweeping pairs, fours and eights and Sculling singles, doubles, quads and octuplets.

There will also be various categories of rowers and crews competing, which includes men and women of all ages, spanning from Junior under 13s to veteran Masters.

The fastest boat down the course for each specific category will be awarded the winner.

This year, a social rowing event will be included, and whilst social rowing is normally considered a non-competitive activity, events such as this one give rowers an opportunity to meet social rowers from other clubs.

All Sligo’s social rowers are eagerly anticipating this weekend’s event and the challenges that come with it.

Doorly Park will be a flurry of excitement and activities on Saturday morning.

Traveling clubs will arrive early with their boat trailers.

Throngs of competitors will be preparing for the race and boats will be assembled and rigged prior to taking to the water.

Sligo Rowing Club would like to acknowledge the support and assistance of Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership , Sligo County Council , Sligo Kayaking Club, and the local fishing community without whose assistance the event simply would not be possible. A sincere thank you to all.

Sligo Rowing Club would encourage everyone to come to Doorly Park on the 16th to view the event.

It is expected to be an exciting spectacle.