Hydrow presents: Race on the Charles 2021

Every October, thousands travel to Boston to cheer on the rowers competing in the Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR), one of rowing’s most celebrated races and the world’s largest multi-day rowing event.  Many of our very own Athletes will be racing in this year’s event, and we can’t wait to watch them compete.  This year, you’re invited to row alongside the Hydrow community in our second Race on the Charles. During this special 17-minute workout, you’ll join eight Hydrow Athletes as they race the HOCR course together, piloted by three-time Olympic medalist coxswain Mary Whipple. After completing the race, you’ll earn a limited-edition badge - and bragging rights as a competitor in this historic rowing event.

Race on the Charles 2021 will be available in your on-demand library starting Wednesday, October 20th at 5 am ET until Sunday, October 24th at 6 pm ET. Complete the row during this window to earn your badge.  You’ll find race results posted on the Hydrow blog on Tuesday, October 26th! 

New this year, we’re highlighting some of our favorite workouts to help you prep for race day. We are also releasing a dedicated warm-up and two post-row recovery sessions for Race on the Charles! Starting Saturday, October 16th, you can use the Race on the Charles workout style filter in your on-demand library to find race prep workout recommendations to get you ready for the event. On Wednesday, October 20, we’ll add a dedicated warm-up row, the Race on the Charles race, as well as a 10' post-race Stretch with Peter and 10' post-race restorative yoga with Owen to help you feel your best! 

We can’t wait for you to experience this one-of-a-kind row with our Hydrow Athletes. We’ll see you on the water for this iconic Boston race!

Have questions about HOCR or the Race on the Charles? We’ve got answers.

What is the Race on the Charles? 

The Race on the Charles is a 17-minute Drive workout featuring eight Hydrow Athletes and renowned coxswain Mary Whipple. Think of the coxswain like the coach of the boat, and the person who gives you cues during your race. Race on the Charles is a special opportunity for you to experience the official HOCR course with our Athletes and your fellow Hydrow teammates. 

How long will this race be available?

The race will be available in the on-demand library from Wednesday, October 20th at 5 am ET to Sunday, October 24th at 6 pm ET. To earn the limited-edition badge and see your results on the Hydrow blog, you must complete the race within this window. 

Where can I find Race on the Charles 2021? 

Select “Workout Style” in the on-demand library, and filter by “Race on the Charles.” Using this filter, you’ll also find special warm-ups, cool-downs, and workouts to help you prep, warm up, and recover after the race. 

What can I do to prepare for the race?

If you’d like to add some race prep workouts into your routine in the days leading up to the event, we’ve got you covered! Filter your Workout Style by “Race on the Charles” starting Saturday, 10/16 to find workouts our team has selected to help you physically and mentally prepare for race day.

Do I have to row this workout like a race?

No! Feel free to make this event as competitive as you would like, or just take it easy. This workout is an opportunity for you to celebrate with the Hydrow community and enjoy the energizing feeling of rowing with a team. Completing the workout itself is an accomplishment! 

When will the race results become available? 

On Tuesday, October 26th, we’ll post the results from the Race on the Charles 2021 on the Hydrow blog. You can complete the race as many times as you’d like while it’s available, but only your top meters score will be included in the final standings. 

We’ll provide both full-race standings as well as standings broken down by age/gender so you can see how you stack up against others in your bracket. 

Even though this is a race, there will be no additional prize for winning your bracket. Everyone who participates during the race weekend will earn a special badge celebrating their participation.

What if I am away from my Hydrow? Will I be able to do this workout another time? 

We’ll re-publish the Race on the Charles workout to our demand library on Saturday, October 30th so you can complete it anytime. Only members who complete the race between 5 am ET on Wednesday, October 20th and 6 pm ET on Sunday, October 24th will be eligible to earn a badge and have their results posted on the Hydrow blog.

Can I participate in the race if I have a Hydrow Digital Basic membership?

While you will still be able to complete the row in the mobile app and earn a badge for your efforts, your stats will not count towards the leaderboard. 

I don’t have my age and/or gender visible. Will my meters still count on the leaderboard?

Your meters will definitely still count towards your progress, and you will be included in the full-race standings. In order to be included in the broken-down standings, both your gender and your age range must be included. 

Is there a special Facebook group for this race?

The Hydrow Training Camp Facebook group is the best place to cheer on other Members (and engage in some healthy competition!). Challenge some familiar faces on the leaderboard and see how you stack up against the rest of the community.