Melbourne Head Erg Relays 2026: races, times, prizes and how to enter

Built a rivalry on the water? Settle it on the erg. The Melbourne Head Erg Relays run on Fri 20 and Sat 21 Nov 2026 at the Head Regatta Precinct, with races for pairs, crews and the public.

There are $5,500 in prizes from Fitness Outcomes. Entry is $10 adult or $5 under 19, per rower. Row Nation supports the event.

What are the Melbourne Head Erg Relays?

An erg is an indoor rowing machine. The relays take racing off the water and onto the erg, as part of the Melbourne Head Regatta. In Mixed Pairs, each rower races 500m.

Where do the races happen?

The races are at the Head Regatta Precinct, on the Yarra beside St Kilda Rd, near Flinders Street Station. Trams 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 run along St Kilda Rd.

Which races run, and when?

Friday evening is 18+.

• Fri 20 Nov, 6:00pm: Mixed Pairs, 500m each.
• Fri 20 Nov, 6:30pm: Alumni Eights.
• Sat 21 Nov, 9:00am: School Eights.
• Sat 21 Nov, 11:00am to 12:00pm: Club vs Club Eights, School Fours/Quads and General Public 250m.
• Sat 21 Nov, 2:00pm: Mixed Masters.

What are the prizes?

There are $5,500 in prizes from Fitness Outcomes.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry is $10 adult or $5 under 19, per rower. The precinct is free to enter, but that does not include race entry.

Who can enter?

The schedule includes races for clubs, schools, alumni, Masters and the public. The General Public 250m is open to the public and is not open to anyone racing in the 2026 Melbourne Head. Walk-ups are welcome on the day, subject to entries.

If you have never used an erg, start with why an erg is all you need for a start line. The first stroke is the only one you have to take before you know whether you want another.

How do I enter?

Mixed Pairs and the General Public 250m are entered individually. Use the “Event details and entry” button for the event page.

For Alumni Eights, School Boys Eights, School Girls Eights, Club vs Club Mixed Eights, School Boys Fours, School Girls Fours, Mixed Masters Under 50 and Mixed Masters 50+, the captain can register and pay once per crew in one flow using Register your crew. Crew payment closes Thursday 19 November at 6:00pm.

Can I come and watch?

Yes. The precinct is free to enter. Food trucks are on site, and public transport is the easy way in. Families are welcome on Saturday. Friday evening is 18+.

Are the races on the water?

No. The races are on indoor rowing machines, not on the water.

Who is behind the event?

The Melbourne Head Erg Relays are at the Melbourne Head Regatta and are supported by Row Nation. 776BC is the event sponsor.