The Race
The first official head race in the Pacific Northwest, Pink Ribbon Row kicks off Fall Racing Season with a 4,800 meter course on Lake Union.
Race Day: September 22, 2024
Since 1999, Seattle’s rowing community has been supporting breast cancer patients in a fun and competitive head race. Our mission becomes visible as Lake Union turns into various shades of pink from the many costumed rowers – each rowing with a purpose, driving to make a difference.
Race Schedule
| 5:30am | Packet pick-up at Gas Works Park |
| 6:45am | First boats launch |
| 7:30am | Racing begins |
| After the race | Gas Works Park for medals, coffee, food |
Race Location & Information
Go to Regatta Central for detailed information on
- Registration Information
- Coach and Coxswains Meeting
- Trailer Parking Reservations
Spectators join us at Gas Works Park and have a front-row seat to the race with great views from many park locations. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the pink celebration. There will be coffee and food too.
Race Course: 4800m
Penny Lewis Cup – Honoring a legend, Penny Lewis (1940-2023)
We would not exist today without Penny, her leadership in the rowing community and her kind, welcoming demeanor. As a breast cancer survivor, she had the vision of what this regatta could mean for so many in the PNW region over 20 years ago. Thanks to her determination, the support of Kathy Frederick in Portland, and the rowing clubs of our region she grew this event to what it is today.
In 2023, to honor her legacy, we dedicated the Women’s Masters 8+ event as The Penny Lewis Cup. With a record number of entries, this special challenge was celebrated for the first time with the winners from Sammamish Rowing Association. Penny’s daughter, Karen, joined us and reminded us all how special the rowing family is: Be strong, be forceful, and be a power to your boat and in everything you do!
Costume Contest
We have a unique tradition at our regatta: We encourage and reward rowers to ‘get pink’ and make the most of it with costumes and any type of imaginative gear they can come up with. Every year, we turn Lake Union into a sea of pink rowers. The pink costumes transform race day into a spirited celebration, with an atmosphere of infectious energy, joy, and camaraderie. This adds a playful element to the competitive spirit but also fosters meaningful cross-club interactions.
It’s a visual testament to the close-knit bond within the rowing community, emphasizing that, beyond the rivalry of the race, we are all united by a shared passion for rowing and a collective commitment to support those facing the challenges of breast cancer.
Costumes are judged by a panel of volunteers and the winners receive recognition and promotion throughout the year.
Congratulations to our 2023 Costume Contest winners, Lake Stevens Rowing Club Pink Ladies!
Giving Thanks
Our event only happens due to our boathouse partners: Pocock Rowing Center, Lake Washington Rowing Club, Seattle Pacific University, College Club, and Lake Union Crew. Our community comes together to provide docks, parking, and start and finish line locations, all with a wonderful, “let’s make this happen!” attitude.
Previous Year Race Results
| 2023 | Pink Ribbon Row Race Results |
| 2022 | Row for the Cure Results |
| 2020-21 | Cancelled due to COVID |
| 2019 | Cancelled due to inclement weather. |
| 2018 | Row for the Cure Results |