2026 OFFICIAL RACE PACKET

2026 Schedule

Get ready for adrenaline-fueled racing at the Route 66 Beach Sprints! Friday features an optional USRowing clinic for competitors. Racing runs all day Saturday with qualifying events. Those who make the cut will race again on Sunday for medals. All races happen at the Edmond Park beach at Arcadia Lake.

Keep scrolling to see current race schedule as of 8.27.26

Date	Time	Event / Activity	Location
Friday, Aug 28	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Beach Sprint Rowing Clinic (3-6:00 PM & Registration (4-6:00 PM)	UCO Boathouse Arcadia Lake
Saturday, Aug 29	9:00 AM	Mandatory Coaches & Athletes Meeting	Beach
Saturday, Aug 29	9:30 AM – 3:30 PM	Beach Sprint Time Trials, Knockout Rounds & Dragon Boat Racing	Beach
Saturday, Aug 29	Afternoon	Dragon Boat Racing Finals & Conclusion	Beach
Sunday, Aug 30	10am – 4:00pm (subject to change based on entries)	Beach Sprint Rowing Elimination & Finals	Beach

Race Director

Mike Knopp mknopp@openwatersports.org
405-412-0766

Chief Official

Eric Chiang
echiang777@yahoo.com

2026 USRowing Beach Sprint Racing Rules & Format

1. Race Course Setup

Beach Run: 50 meter sprint from the designated starting line on the sand to the water’s edge.
Water Course: A 250-meter buoyed slalom course. Competitors row out, slalom around three buoys, make a 180-degree turn at the outer buoy, and row straight or slalom back to the shore.
Finish Sprint: Upon reaching the water’s edge, one designated athlete exits the boat and sprints back across the sand to press the electronic finish buzzer.

2. Progression System

Time Trials (Saturday): All entered crews complete a solo time trial course to establish seeding.
Knockout Rounds (Saturday and Sunday): Time trial results determine seeding for head-to-head bracket progression (Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals).
Lane Selection: The higher-seeded crew (faster time from the previous round) earns lane choice for head-to-head matches.

3. Boat Handlers & Safety Regulations

Handler Requirements: Each crew must supply their own registered boat handlers to hold the boat steady in the surf at the start/finish area.
Gender Representation: For crews with two or more boat handlers, handlers must include representation of each gender per USRowing/World Rowing standards.
Runners: In multi-person crews, different athletes must act as the starting sprinter and the finishing sprinter.

Athlete Registration & Equipment Specifications

1. Registration & Eligibility Requirements

Age Categories: Competitors must race in their designated age classifications (e.g., Junior, Open, Master) as verified by government-issued identification at check-in.
Waivers & Safety: All competitors must sign a waiver. Minors must submit a parent-signed USRowing liability waiver alongside completed emergency contact forms.

2. Boat Specifications (Coastal Rules) – All Equipment will be Provided

Design & Hull: Rowing shells must be official coastal rowing boats featuring self-bailing hull configurations (open transoms or automated bailers) and structural watertight compartments. Dragon boats and kayaks are standard construction.
Minimum Weight: Shells must conform strictly to World Rowing coastal minimum weight specifications.
Foot Stretchers: Quick-release foot stretchers are mandatory for all coastal boats to ensure safe and rapid egress during beach transitions.

Event Protocols and Safety

Emergency Medical Services: EMTs will be located just west of the athlete staging area near the restrooms as well in the boat ramp area adjacent to the UCO Boathouse.

Be sure to be prepared for your race. Foot stretchers must be set prior to moving the boat to the water.

Be sure to drink plenty of water. A cooling zone is located near the restrooms.

Results – a link will be provided to see results and progressions