Hundreds of athletes from Iowa and a half-dozen surrounding states are taking part in today’s 23rd annual Rowing Regatta in Des Moines. Julia Martinusen, president of the Des Moines Rowing Club, says it promises to be a great competition.
Martinusen says clubs, high schools, colleges and professional teams are taking part from all over Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and as far away as Boulder, Colorado. They’re rowing in 60 races along a three-mile course on the Des Moines River near downtown, from the Botanical Center to Prospect Park. They’re rowing in four- and eight-person shells, doubles, pairs and singles.
Martinusen says rowing doesn’t just exercise your arms — it’s a full-body workout. Martinusen says some people take up rowing to get in shape or to stay in shape, others like the team sport for its camaraderie while others just like being on the water. The first race is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. and the last race is at 5:00 p.m. For more information, see the website “www.desmoinesrowing.org”.