Rowing clubs from across the Northwest will race on Salford Quays this weekend as Salford’s local rowing club hosts its 17th annual rowing event.
On the 16th of October between 8am-6pm, approximately 250 crews will take part in racing along the River Irwell.
Rowers, young and old, will take to the water to compete against each other over a 3200m course. Back at the boathouse, members of the club will be working hard to keep spectators and athletes fed.
Not only are there races to watch, but a BBQ, cake sale, and more. The day provides a great opportunity to head down to the waterside and cheer on those involved whilst maybe enjoying a cake or two.
Current club Captain James Harris describes the event as “a fantastic opportunity for all age groups and abilities to race. We will have athletes aged 16 to late 60’s competing alongside Tokyo Olympians. It’s a wonderful event to be able to host.”
Agecroft Rowing Club has been based at the quays since it moved from its original home on the grounds of Agecroft Hall in 1999. It’s winter head race provides a great opportunity to host other clubs, as well as raise money to keep the clubs equipment up to date.
Women’s captain Terri Maynard who has been a member of the club since she was a junior and will be racing on the day said “Agecroft Head is a great local event bringing together clubs across the Northwest. For us as a women’s squad it is a brilliant opportunity to show our talent as a squad and begin our season of racing”.
Agecroft is well known within the rowing community, having trained athletes that have represented GB at the Olympic games. Most recently Graeme Thomas, competed in Tokyo this summer. Graeme raced in the men’s double alongside John Collins coming in a very respectable 4th place. He is expected to be there on the day racing alongside the north-west athletes and supporting his home club.
Richard Sinnott, Vice chair and Director at Warrington Rowing Club, spoke to us about why they attend the event. “Agecroft Head is always a well-run event. There is a high standard of competition that makes it attractive to the better athletes at Warrington RC. Competing in a city centre is also appealing as it’s different to our usual surroundings. Parents and spectators can do other things whilst still supporting the rowers”.
You can go down and support the teams on the 16th. Races begin at 9:30am, 11:00am, 1pm and 3:15pm. Crews would love to hear cheering along the bank as they push through the pain to go for gold.
To find out more about the upcoming race, click here.
