Try an Indoor Rowing Race this Season

The 2026 indoor rowing racing season is underway and in full swing. Most weekends in January, February, and March you can usually find an indoor rowing race happening at clubs and schools across the world. If you are looking for a goal to work towards, or something to spice up your winter training—consider jumping in a local indoor rowing race! This season, races are offering a variety of distances from 1 minute, up to 5000m in length. You can see a full list of events on our calendar here. 

Training for your First Indoor Rowing Race 

If you are thinking about entering your first race this indoor rowing season, try out one of our tried-and-true training plans to get you prepared. These training plans are great for first timers, or those who have been racing since high school.  

500m Training Plan: Training Plan for a 500m Erg Test   

1000m Training Plan: Training Plan for a 1000m Erg Test

If you are short on time before your race, just do the first 4-week cycle of this training plan. 

2000m Training Plans
4 Weeks: Training Plan for a 2k Erg Test—4 Week Plan 
12 Weeks: Training Plan for a 2k Erg Test—12 Week Plan 

5000m Training Plan: Training Plan for a 5000m Erg Test

Looking for more training advice? We have you covered from damper setting 101 to better rowing form and technique resources here. 

First Time Race Advice 

Nervous about your first race? Do not worry, we have you covered. Look at our tips for first time racers here. It can be intimidating trying something new for the first time, but just remember every single other competitor was also a beginner at one point. The most important advice to remember is to just have fun and enjoy the experience – the rowing community is incredibly supportive! 

Try a Virtual Indoor Rowing Race 

Not sure if you want to try your first indoor rowing race in person? Or maybe there are not any events in your area? Try a virtual race instead! Online racing is a great way to dip your toes into racing, in the comfort of your own home and on your own familiar equipment. Read up on how to enter and how to qualify on each events website.  

This year the 2026 World Indoor Rowing Championships are happening February 21st and 22nd for heats, with the finals taking place February 28th. All races are completely virtual with an entry deadline of February 10th. You can learn more on how to enter and qualify here. Another way to challenge yourself virtually is the 2026 HOCR 4702 Winter Erg Challenge. Race exactly 4702 meters on your RowErg or SkiErg, or 9404 meters on a BikeErg, from January 26th through February 1st and enter your time to RegattaCentral for a chance to win a Concept2 RowErg, HOCR entries for your club, medals, pins, and other fun swag and giveaways. 

Looking to push yourself but maybe want a challenge that is a bit less formal? Try the Concept2 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Sprints, happening March 4-8! Race exactly 1000m and see how you rank against others in your age, weight, and adaptive category. Follow the 6-week training plan to get yourself ready for an all-out 1000m effort. 

This indoor rowing racing season we hope you might try for a new personal best or just go cheer at a local club event. Indoor rowing races are a terrific way to get involved in the community—both in person or virtually!