Derby City Head Race 2026

Help Bring the Derby City Head Race to Life

On October 10, 2026, the Louisville Rowing Club will bring something new to the Ohio River: the Derby City Head Race, Louisville’s first rowing regatta of its kind

This 5K USRowing-sanctioned race will bring together junior, collegiate, masters, and adaptive rowers from across the region for a full day of competition on the riverfront. Derby City Head Race is an opportunity to showcase Louisville’s waterfront, introduce our community to the sport orowing, and create an event that brings athletes, families, volunteers, and spectators together in the heart of our city.

But putting on a regatta of this size takes a tremendous amount of work and resources.

The Louisville Rowing Club is a volunteer-run nonprofit, and we are building this event from the ground up. Your donation will help us cover the essential costs of creating a safe, welcoming, and professionally run race, including safety and emergency services, docks and waterfront infrastructure, timing and race equipment, permits, volunteer support, medals, signage, and other event expenses.

Your gift helps make it possible for hundreds of athletes to race on the Ohio River and for thousands of community members to experience the sport right here in Louisville.

And your support goes beyond one day.

The Derby City Head Race is part of a larger effort by the Louisville Rowing Club to grow rowing in our community. LRC provides opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels, from middle and high school athletes to adult rowers, beginners, and experienced rowers moving to town. We believe rowing teaches something bigger than how to move a boat: it teaches teamwork, perseverance, leadership, accountability, and the power of working together toward a common goal.

Help us make Louisville's newest sporting event a tradition.

Whether you give $10, $50, $100, or more, every gift moves the Derby City Head Race forward.

Thank you for helping us bring the Derby City Head Race to life, and for investing in the future of rowing in Louisville.