National Rowing Competition Draws 1,500 Athletes To Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City High School was the host for an indoor rowing national championships over the weekend, drawing athletes from around the region and state.

Erg Sprints, an organization dating back to 1986 in Alexandria, was a host for the 2024 USRowing Indoor National Championships. The championship allowed athletes to either compete virtually or at a host location in Alexandria, Pittsburgh or Tacoma, Washington. The event in Alexandria drew 1,500 registered athletes, including high school and college students, amateurs and elite rowers, para athletes, and more.

"Our goal for Erg Sprints 2024 was to bring rowers together from across the region for a world-class competition and to raise visibility for the sport. With 18 states represented and 2,500 miles rowed, it was certainly a major success" said Kathy Glennon, who directed the event.

Some of the top competing teams at the Erg Sprints were Alexandria City High School (Alexandria, VA), Annapolis Junior Rowing (Annapolis, MD), Bishop Ireton High School Crew (Alexandria, VA), George Mason University Rowing (Fairfax, VA), Gloucester Rowing Association (Gloucester, VA), Jackson-Reed High School Crew (Washington, DC), James Madison Crew (Vienna, VA), Lake Braddock Crew (Burke, VA), Langley Crew (McLean, VA), McLean High School Crew (McLean, VA), Oakton High School (Oakton, VA), Potomac Boat Club (Washington, VA), St. John's College High School (Washington, DC), Walter Johnson Crew Club (Bethesda, MD), West Springfield High School (Springfield, VA) and Yorktown High School (Arlington, VA).

Erg Sprints started in the George Washington Middle School gym and grew into a flagship competition for USRowing. The organization's name Erg refers to the ergometer, an indoor rowing machine.

The Alexandria City High School Crew Boosters program partnered with USRowing to host the indoor rowing championship. Athletes could earn Erg Sprints medals as well as national-level medals in the 2K and 500M events. Proceeds from the event support the Alexandria City High School Crew Boosters program.