Rhein Marathon report
6th October 2026
What an extraordinary contrast: For last year's event we encountered some of the worst conditions any of us have ever rowed in – this year they couldn't have been more benign. With water levels on the Rhine at a record low, very little barge traffic and almost no wind we could have raced in a fine boat and stayed dry. In fact a fine boat would have been a bonus because even though the cox'ns were free to pick the best lines due to the lack of shipping, the weak stream conditions made for a very slow race for all competitors – the fastest overall time was a mere 2.24.
Therefore it was an impressive effort by our youngest, fittest crew (#162 – Open: Benjy, Matt, Jordan and Will, coxed by Martin) to clock a very respectable 2.43, making them 5th fastest overseas crew. Not bad at all considering they had two Marathon Maiden in the boat. The downside however was that they didn't start until after 1pm and had to rush off after a quick beer and a shower at the finish.
At the other end of the day our oldest, wisest crew (#5 – Masters G: Neil, Klaus, Tom and Nick, coxed by Mucha) had to be up with the birds and began racing 10 minutes before their scheduled start time – an unheard of thing. Finished by midday in a time of 2.56, they of course had plenty of time at the finish and had to carefully control their rehydration routine!
Our middle-aged, middle-class crew (#90 – Masters C: Cris, Mustafa, Joris and Raph, coxed by Kett) had a much more amenable start time. Also with two more Marathon Maidens in the boat they clocked a solid 3.00.01. In times gone by this would have won them a crate of beer for the closest crew to three hours but alas that particular prize was abandoned just a couple of years ago.
Thus it was to the Schlüssel brewery in the Altstadt that we went on Saturday evening for pork-based refuelling and further rehydration – ending with a quick visit to the Fuchschen for a night cap because unbelievably the Killepitsch shop was closed by 10pm!
The glorious weather continued on Sunday as we mustered at the Schloss for the traditional photo before a stroll through the park to Benrath Boathouse and then down to Urdenbach for mooch around Erntedankfest parade and a cheeky bratwurst.
Danke Schön, as always, to our host at Benrath for their hospitality and in particular Klaus and Tobi for making the logistical and administrative arrangements.
