First Coast Head Race
Florida’s Oldest Head Race October 12, 2024 · Jacksonville, FL
presented by
Are you Ready?
… for the Oldest Head Race in Florida!
Get ready for THREE waterways & THREE bridges!
History
In 1989, Mark Beckenbach (Coach at Jacksonville University) and Peter Keegan (President of Jacksonville Rowing Club) conceived and ran Florida’s first head race, known as the First Coast Head Race. The objective of the regatta was to bring collegiate crews together for an exciting competition down the St. Johns and Arlington Rivers. It wasn’t long after those initial years that they began to invite high school crews.
The regatta has grown considerably since then, and now includes Youth (both middle and high school), Collegiate and Masters crews. At the 2022 Regatta, 24 clubs traveled from as far south as Miami, FL and as far north as Washington, DC with crews from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.
36th Annual First Coast Head Race
Through out the years, the regatta has been hosted by several rowing organizations in the Jacksonville area, either individually or jointly. In 2024, the Jacksonville Rowing Club is excited to celebrate the 36th anniversary of this community tradition! We look forward to sharing a renewed vision to expand the regatta’s reach in the rowing community, continue to develop as a community event and build momentum for growth opportunities.
We’re excited to see you in October!
2023 Regatta Information
Each year we have a talented and wonderful group of officials and referees. These dedicated and professional officials help ensure the regatta is run safely and accurately.
Spectators will enjoy watching the athletes compete from atop the closed-for-traffic Cesery bridge. A family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of food trucks to enjoy!
Thank you to our wonderful Sponsors! Without them the FCHR wouldn’t be possible. Please support them as they support us!
Many hands make light work! Without the hands (and BOATS!) of the many volunteers both on the water and off, this event would not be possible.
2023 Sponsors
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors.
We are grateful for your support of the First Coast Head Race!
Rehab Properties, LLC
