50th Head of the Charles Regatta- October 18th-19th

The one and only Head of the Charles Regatta, where some of the fittest people come to compete against one another. BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS have all been shed for this one race on the Charles River. Thousands of rowers and crews from all over the world flock to the legendary Charles River to compete with the best of the best in the rowing world. The Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) is the largest annual rowing competition in the world. Hosting over 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators, the ultimate two-day rowing competition in the middle of October, sees some of the fiercest racing of the year.

The most popular events are the races involving the classic eight-person boats, which require coxswains to the steer down the winding course of the Charles. The treacherous turns around the Weeks and Elliot bridges mark the areas of the course where boats have the greatest chance of colliding into each other. The HOCR is no ordinary race. Not only is the five thousand kilometers tasking on the bodies of the rowers, but also a test on the mind. To immerse one’s self into a dangerous gauntlet of no turning back, requires a unique mindset of perseverance and craziness.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the HOCR (1964-2014). Commemorative activities will be taking place along the banks of the river during the entire weekend. There will also be free food from popular vendors around Boston to keep you satisfied throughout the racing. So, if you have some time this weekend, definitely stop by the Charles River, as it will be a regatta to remember!