The Ferryman's Challenge Regatta | Sandy Run Regional Park
Sports & Fitness
The Ferryman’s Challenge 2025 – Olympic-Style Rowing Comes to DC!📍 Sandy Run Regional Park, Occoquan River – July 27, 2025 from 0800-1330
🎟️ General Admission = Your Parking & Event Pass Come experience the only 1500-meter Olympic-style rowing regatta in the U.S. — right here in Northern Virginia. The Ferryman’s Challenge is a championship level sprint race, and a celebration of athletic excellence, community, and the rich culture of competitive rowing. Whether you're a sports lover, nature enthusiast, or curious local, TFC 2025 gives you front-row access to a unique spectacle of speed, strength, and the art that is rowing. If you are a rower, please visit our RegattaCentral page to register or talk to your coach. This listing is for non-rowers or those who are interested in coming to learn about the sport or just watch some fun racing and enjoy the park. 🛶 What You'll SeeAll-day rowing action: Over 30 races from 8am–2pm, with boats ranging from solo scullers to lightning fast 8-person crews.6-lane sprint racing over 1500m with a fully buoyed course, start platform, and professional finish line tower — Olympic vibes guaranteed.Top-level athletes from across the region, including juniors, masters, and elite rowers.Unique hand-forged medals, prize podium, and even cash awards for top finishers.Scenic walking trail to our covered grandstands to watch the finish line. The Occoquan Reservoir is a great place to enjoy Northern VA's watershed with tons of wildlife such as Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Great Blue Herons.🌿 Off the WaterMeet local nonprofits focused on watershed health, rowing inclusion, and environmental stewardship.Explore the grandstands to watch the finishline, sit in the shade, and listen to race commentary & watch the podium awards.Visit sponsor booths, talk to coaches, check out rowing gear, and learn how you can get involved in the sport.ADA-accessible shuttle service available to the grandstands area for those with disabilities or elderly spectators.👀 Good to KnowYour General Admission ticket double as your parking pass — You do not need to pay per person, but for the vehicle/car. If you choose to pay at the park upon arrival, attendees pay $20 for vehicles with 1–2 passengers, $15 for 3+ people.Spectator areas are limited to designated walkways and viewing zones. For your safety, please stay alert and away from boat launch areas and active docks.Rowing regattas are active environments with heavy equipment and moving boats — please supervise children and stay within marked paths at all times.NOVA Parks rules on regatta days prohibits Alcohol, pets (even on leashes), open flames and grillingThere are seats at the grandstands and benches along the trails, but if you want to sit anywhere else, people usually bring portable chairs.
Information Source: Occoquan Stewards LLC | eventbrite