Head of the Cuyahoga

  • Hosted By:  Cleveland Rowing Foundation
  • USRowing Sanctioned Regatta
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History of Rowing on the Cuyahoga & 

The 29th ANNUAL HEAD OF THE CUYAHOGA REGATTA

September 27, 2025

 

In September of 1856, the first rowing competition on the Cuyahoga River took place.  

As reported in the local papers, over 20,000 people attended this event. 

The Ivanhoe Boat Club of Cleveland won the race against the Rover Boat Club of Sandusky.

The Mazeppa, a mens's four with coxswain, was raced from what is now the W 3rd St. bridge to what is now the Carter Rd. bridge.

They finished the 1.5 miles in 12:05.

The Head of the Cuyahoga began in 1996, as a sucessor to 7 years of sprint racing inside the break-wall of Lake Erie.  

The HOTC averages over 500 entries, 2000+ rowers from 60+ clubs & over 15 states. 

It is one of the most technically challenging head racing courses in the country.