A marathon of a row on the Rhine

A total of 178 boats hailing from 95 clubs and five nations (Germany, Ireland, Sweden, France and England) lined up at the start, armed to tackle the Rhine River with more than just physical stamina. Snacks to invigorate rowers, as well as pumps to keep water out of the boats, were taken on board. Commercial ships added to the scale of the challenge. Life boats along the entire route ensured safety to teams who largely consisted of experienced navigators.

Participants did not race so much to win a medal, but rather to prove what they were made of. They tested their ability to endure physical pain, blistered hands, the cold, the humidity and the wind. And all of this amid risky water traffic.

The Dusseldorf Rowing Marathon has no rules of racing – every team and participant is free to make and follow his or her own way. Although most boats were coastal coxed quads, a novelty this year was to see four church boats lining up with ten to 14 rowers each.

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A variety of awards were handed out after racing including the Schlüssel-Alt-Schild for the club that had the overall three fastest boats. This award went to the German rowing club Ulmer Ruder-Club Donau, whose three boats totalled 07h18min31sec of racing.

The Junior Cup, destined for the fastest team aged between 17 and 20, was awarded to the Fermoy Rowing Club from Ireland.

The fastest boat overall, Neuwieder RG 1883 e.V./RC Kleinmachnow-Stahnsdorf-Teltow, finished the course in 2h11m46s, while the fastest boat from a rowing club not located on the banks of the Rhine River came from Berlin and clocked 2h15min07s. The fastest female crew, Ak ad. RC Rhenus Sportheim/Bonner RV/RTHC Bayer Leverkusen, completed the marathon in 2h23min49s.

The regatta was opened to all rowers, from juniors to masters, from national to World and Olympic Champions. But at the end of the day, everyone was a marathoner.

With thanks to Maren Derlien and Detlev Seyb.