Fri Oct 18 10:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Head of the Charles Regatta Kicks Off with Olympic Rowers and Festive Atmosphere

**Boston, MA** – The Head of the Charles Regatta, the world’s largest three-day rowing event, officially began this morning, attracting rowers from across the globe, including over 100 Olympians who competed in Paris this year.

The race, known for its challenging course with numerous twists, turns, and bridges, promises a weekend of excitement and energy. Two-time Olympic rower and Weston native Kristi Wagner, gearing up for her race, highlighted the unique challenges of navigating the course: “You don’t know where you’re going [and] you have to steer through all these bridges, so it really is pretty complicated.”

What sets the Head of the Charles apart is its inclusivity, welcoming not just elite athletes, but also high school rowers and even a 90-year-old competitor. “We’ve got 12,000 coming into town this weekend,” said race director Brendan Mulvey, “everything from high school athletes [to] our oldest competitor.”

Local businesses are eagerly anticipating the influx of visitors. Ryan Pratt, general manager of Rail Stop Restaurant and Bar in Brighton, expects a packed house: “It gets anywhere from 100 to 200 extra people in like each one of these days…We’re still going to have people enjoy the nice weather at least one last time this season.”

The Head of the Charles Regatta is not just a race, but a festival of rowing, offering a unique opportunity to witness world-class athletes in action and experience the passion for this sport firsthand.

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