Derby City Head Race, October 10, 2026, Louisville, KY

TurfMutt Great Lawn on the Ohio River in Louisville, KY

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The Derby City Head Race is a 5K head race on the Ohio River, the first regatta of its kind in Louisville, KY. Sanctioned by USRowing, it brings junior, collegiate, masters, and adaptive crews together for a day of racing in the heart of the city.

Why Come to the Derby City Head Race?

A Louisville First

The first regatta of its kind in Louisville, KY.

USRowing Sanctioned

An official, sanctioned regatta.

Easy Access to Downtown

Right in the heart of the city.

See It All

You can see the start line from the finish line.

Every Kind of Crew

Juniors, collegiate, masters, and adaptive races.

Sculling & Sweeping

Both sculling and sweeping events on the schedule.

Follow Along the River

Walk the riverfront and follow roughly the last 1500m of the race.

A View from Above

Head up onto the walking bridge to watch the race from overhead.

5K Head Race

A classic 5,000-meter head-race format.

Race Details

DateSaturday, October 10, 2026
VenueTurfMutt Great Lawn, Louisville, KY (Ohio River)
Format5K head race · sculling & sweeping
EventsJuniors, collegiate, masters & adaptive
SanctionUSRowing

Race with Us, or Support the Regatta

Entries are handled through RegattaCentral. The Derby City Head Race is run by our volunteer club, and your gift helps make it happen.

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Explore Louisville

Whether you’re competing or cheering from the riverbank, Louisville has plenty to explore before or after race day.

Frazier History Museum

Main Street & 9th

Home of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center and a permanent collection of rare objects: Teddy Roosevelt’s “Big Stick,” Geronimo’s bow and arrows, a grave marker from the Battle of Little Bighorn, a first edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and the arrest warrant issued for Mary Todd Lincoln.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Main Street & 8th

Celebrates the history of the Louisville Slugger bat. You can peek into the factory from the sidewalk on 8th for a glimpse of bat making in action.

Downtown Eats

Casual spots a short walk from the waterfront.

  • Parlor Pizza - Liberty & 2nd
  • The Marketplace at Omni Hotel - Liberty & 2nd
  • Wiltshire on Main - Main Street & 6th
  • O’Shea’s Irish Bar - Main Street & 2nd
  • Mussel and Burger Bar - 7th between Market & Main

NuLu Neighborhood

A walkable strip of shops, restaurants, and bars along Market Street, just a few blocks long.

  • Please & Thank You - Market & Shelby (chocolate chip cookie voted #1 in the US)
  • Muth’s Candies - Market between Hancock & Clay
  • LuLu on Market - Market between Shelby & Campbell
  • Royals Hot Chicken - Market between Clay & Shelby
  • Grind - Market at Campbell
  • Feast - Market at Campbell
  • Taste - Market & Clay
  • Nouvelle - Clay between Market & Billy Goat Strut
  • Craft breweries: Ten20, West 6th, Akasha

Where to Stay

Several hotels are within a short walk or ride of the venue at TurfMutt Great Lawn.

Moxy & Aloft Louisville Downtown

We have a discounted group rate at both properties. Book through our group link to get the best price.

Book at Moxy or Aloft

More downtown options

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