Strollers along the Petaluma River this past Sunday were treated to an intriguing array of human-powered watercraft taking part in the Petaluma Marathon/Half Marathon hosted by North Bay Rowing Club.
Participants in the 15th annual event came from as far away as Colorado, Washington and Arizona to enjoy the beauty of the Petaluma River and challenge themselves to a full or half marathon.
The 13.1-mile half marathon course wended from the NBRC Boathouse at Foundry Wharf to a mile past Gilardi’s and back, while the 26.2-mile full marathon course stretched all the way from the NBRC boathouse to the entrance to San Pablo Bay before competitors could make their U-turn for home.
This year’s 68 entries included kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, tandem surfskis, outriggers, sculling shells and an eight-person sweep shell. Participants included teens to 70-somethings, and enthusiastic beginners to former Olympians and seasoned ocean rowers.
After rowing for between an hour and a half and more than 4 hours, the participants and their supporters relaxed at a waterfront potluck at Foundry Wharf.
Sweep rower Colene Mace said, “Petaluma Marathon is a jewel. Competitors row so hard, then share in putting on a potluck. It makes for a very unique event.”
North Bay Rowing Club was founded by Greg Sabourin with a small group focused on open water rowing. Today, NBRC has 170 masters/juniors and supports a diverse group of men and women of all ages and skill levels, with interests ranging from recreation to elite competition. Learn-to-row events are held throughout the year.
Signups for NBRC’s high school competitive racing team and middle school learn-to-row team are happening right now. Adult rowing programs for all levels are ongoing.
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