The Race
The first official head race in the Pacific Northwest, Pink Ribbon Row kicks off Fall Racing Season with a 4,500m course through the Montlake Cut.
Race Day: September 20, 2026
Since 1999, Puget Sound’s rowing community has rallied behind breast cancer patients through a fun and competitive head race. Now, our mission comes to life along the Montlake Cut as crews in vibrant pink costumes row with purpose — each stroke a commitment to leaving breast cancer in our wake.
Race Schedule
| 9/19/2026 3-5pm |
Packet pickup at Pocock Rowing Club |
| 5:30am | Packet pick-up at event venue |
| 6:45am | First boats launch |
| 7:30am | Racing begins |
| After the race | Event venue for medals, coffee, award ceremony begins ~30 min after last race (approx. noon) |
Race Location & Information
Go to Regatta Central for detailed information on
- Registration Information
- Coach and Coxswains Meeting
- Trailer Parking Location
Spectators join us at the UW Shellhouse and along the Montlake Cut. Have a front-row seat to the race with great views from many locations. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the pink celebration. There will be coffee and breakfast items, too.
Race Course: 4,500m
Penny Lewis Cup – Honoring a legend, Penny Lewis (1940-2023)
We would not exist today without Penny, her leadership in the rowing community and her kind, welcoming demeanor. As a breast cancer survivor, she had the vision of what this regatta could mean for so many in the PNW region over 20 years ago. Thanks to her determination, the support of Kathy Frederick in Portland, and the rowing clubs of our region she grew this event to what it is today.
In 2023, we honored Penny Lewis’s legacy by dedicating the Women’s Masters 8+ event, The Penny Lewis Cup. Since then, this race has drawn a record number of entries, becoming a cherished challenge within the rowing community. At our inaugural celebration of Penny, her daughter Karen joined us to celebrate and reminded us of all of the strength and unity that define the rowing family: “Be strong, be forceful, and be a power to your boat, and in everything you do!”
Costume Contest
Pink isn’t just a color at Pink Ribbon Row — it’s a movement, a tribute, and a promise. When race day arrives, the Montlake Cut transforms into a brilliant tide of pink, turning the regatta into a celebration of energy, joy, and solidarity. But this tradition is more than fun and flair. It’s a heartfelt way our rowing community honors everyone affected by breast cancer — the fighters, the survivors, and the loved ones we carry with us.
We invite every rower to go all out: suit up in pink, unleash your creativity, and show the spirit that makes this event so meaningful. Bold costumes, big imagination, and full‑crew commitment all help amplify the message that no one faces breast cancer alone.
Fun fact: You can absolutely row dressed as a Shrimp. It’s been done. Spectacularly!
Giving Thanks
Our event only happens due to our boathouse partners. Our community comes together to provide docks, parking, and start and finish line locations, all with a wonderful, “let’s make this happen!” attitude.